Question
Regarding martial arts I want to know: Is it allowed to bow to greetings and as a sign of respect and what is it like if it contains a Buddhist meaning? For me there is a kung fu school where she bows three times to greet her and the third time this form has the meaning to honor Buddha. In Aikido there is a form of greeting that is very similar to prostration in prayer, can you return this form of greeting because you have no intention of worshiping the other or you should not reply
Answer
The Hadith of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam prohibits us from bowing before any human being, in fact the mere resemblance of Sajdah/prostration before a human being should also be avoided. Hadrat Anas Radhiallahu anhu narrates that a man said,
“O Rasul of Allah, a man from amongst us meets his brother or friend, should he bow/lower himself for him?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Sasallam replied, “NO!.”
[Mishkaat pg.401]
In short, it is not be permissible to bow/prostrate before any human being, either as a sign of respect or having the intention of worship or not.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
مشكاة المصابيح ص ٤٠١
( رد المحتار على الدر المختار ص ٣٨٣ دار الفكر)
(الدرر السنية في الأجوبة النجدية ج ١٠ ص ١٥٦)