The Ruling on Bending Toward Created Beings
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Some people, when they meet someone of higher status or rank,He submits to him and lowers his head, meaning: as a sign of respect, what is your opinion?
Our view on this is that it is not permissible; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited it. Therefore, it is not lawful for anyone to bend his back except to Allah, Lord of the worlds. As for a created being, do not bend your back to him. And uglier than that is prostrating to him, for prostration to a created being out of reverence and submission is major shirk that expels one from the religion—may Allah protect us from it.
As for bending, it is forbidden, but it does not reach the level of shirk.
Our view on this is that it is not permissible; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited it. Therefore, it is not lawful for anyone to bend his back except to Allah, Lord of the worlds. As for a created being, do not bend your back to him. And uglier than that is prostrating to him, for prostration to a created being out of reverence and submission is major shirk that expels one from the religion—may Allah protect us from it.
As for bending, it is forbidden, but it does not reach the level of shirk.