Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I`ve always been brought up to touch the feet of my elders as a sign of respect. My mother tells me that as long as we do not bow to them and instead, bend our knees and touch the feet without bowing our heads, then it is ok. I am unsure so please can you tell me if this is acceptable. Also is it preffered that we do so or not as I have recently stopped doing so and I think my elders think of me as disrespectful which I do not want them thinking.

Thankyou 

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Answer:

Touching feet respect

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person,  no grave, no prophet,  no imam,  no dai,  nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Dear and Beloved Sister in Islam, touching another’s feet out of reverence or respect is a pagan Hindu rite; thus this and all such pagan rites and rituals are absolutely forbidden in Islam.  

Allah is our witness, there is no better example of one’s love, adoration, reverence, and respect for another human being than the love the noble companions had for the Messenger of Allah (saws); but never ever did they touch his feet as a sign of their respect! 

Beloved Sister, respect is not displayed by one’s touching another’s feet; but one’s respect and adoration for an elder should be displayed by saying a kind word of salutation, being absolutely mindful and obedient to their every legal wish, and being absolutely kind, humble, tender, just and merciful with them in all their matters.   

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan