What is the ruling on kissing the hand of a righteous man and bowing to him?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Kissing the hand is disliked if it becomes a habit, but permissible if it is not habitual, especially with righteous people. Prostrating on the hand is forbidden, and scholars call this the minor prostration (Sajdat al-Sughra). As for bowing (al-inhina'), it is not permissible because it is an act of worship, unless it is not for glorification, such as bowing to shake hands with someone short or seated. Indeed, there is a prohibition against bowing for greeting.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 25151
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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