What is the Shar'i ruling on practicing judo, which includes the ritual of placing the palms of the hands together and bowing the head forward in a manner resembling prostration, knowing that it is part of Japanese pagan rituals?

The basic principle concerning engaging in sports is permissibility, but the sport of judo involves a bowing greeting to the opponent. This act is not permissible due to what was authentically narrated from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade bowing as a greeting. The Permanent Committee has issued a fatwa (definition) stating the impermissibility of bowing as a greeting to either a Muslim or a disbeliever, because it is an act of worship that should only be directed to Allah. Therefore, participation in this sport is not permissible if bowing is a condition for it.