Greeting Elders by Bowing and Touching Their Feet
As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a question. I am from Bangladesh currently studying in Canada. I pray five times a day and try to perform my obligations toward Islam.There is a certain tradition in our country which I doubt has any Islamic background. The tradition is to bow and touch the feet of an older person (it could be parents, older brother or sister, or any older relatives) with one’s hand and make salam.This usually takes place in special occasions like the `eids. Is such a tradition acceptable in the spirit of Islam? As far as I know, the early Muslim converts who migrated to Abyssinia during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) did not bow down in front of the king of Abyssinia. Would such an act be akin to shirk (associating others with Allah)?If my parents pressure me to commit such an act (for example by considering me to be without proper manners if I refuse), do I have the right to refrain from it and disobey my parents just on this matter?I would be very grateful if you could please explain to me the solution of my problem.
