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:

Sallam,

I have a question regarding a type of bowing in martial arts. I have taken up Judo and at the beginning and end of each practice session we are required to bow to one another and to a picture of the founder of Judo on our hands and knees. It is not exactly the same as Sajda as the forehead is not supposed to touch the ground. It is called a seated bow or zarei.

This is a picture

http://www.mushinkankendo.com/zarei_seq2.jpg

I know that my intention is not worship but I do not know if this is permissible in islam or not and I want to kindly ask your guidance in this manner so that I may correct my actions if need be.

Jazak-Allah

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Bow down sajda judo

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 none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

In principle, there is absolutely no harm if a believer wishes to learn the martial arts of judo to develop one’s physical fitness, or protect oneself and one’s loved ones.

But if in the process of learning this art, one is required to bow down, even if one’s intention is not worship but mere reverence or humility unto the one who teaches this art….such an act would be absolutely against the guidance of Islam and forbidden unto the believers. That is because Allah Subhanah has guided and commanded the believers that they are not to bow down unto anyone or anything in creation, except their Lord and Creator, Allah Subhanah…..that rite is owed to and is the sole right of Allah Subhanah Alone.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 22 Surah Hajj verse 77:

O you who believe, do ‘rukoo’ and ‘sajdah’ to Allah Alone, worship Allah Alone, and do righteous deeds. It may be that you attain true success.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 41 Surah Fusselat verse 37:

Do not do ‘sajdah’ to the sun and the moon, but do ‘sajdah’ to that Allah, Who Created them, if you really are indeed His worshippers.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 13 Surah Raad verse 15:

For it is Allah Alone before whom everything in the heavens and the earth do ‘sajdah’ willingly or un-willingly. Even the shadows of all things do ‘sajdah’ to Allah in the morning and evening!

A believer is well within their allowance in Shariah to learn the art of Judo from any teacher or instructor they wish and please, and they should clearly and firmly explain to their instructor that it would be against their belief to bow down to anyone except their Creator Who created them! If one politely, and with wisdom explains their stance to the instructor and their instructor excuses them from this particular rite, they may continue their learning; but if the instructor is adamant that this is their rite and system and they cannot make an exception, then you too would have to stand steadfast on the Guidance from your Lord Creator and leave this education and find another instructor or even field where you are not required to disobey the Commands of your Lord.

But to bow down to anyone or anything other than your Creator would be absolutely unlawful and unacceptable to your Lord Creator, Allah Subhanah.

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