The Ruling on Kissing the Hand of One Who Holds a High Status

Question:
Kissing the hand?

Answer:
If it is done out of necessity on some occasions, there is nothing wrong with it, but it should not be made a permanent practice. However, if it is done on some occasions, there is nothing wrong with it. It was done with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on some occasions, so that it becomes an established custom.
Q: If the head of the workplace...
The Shaykh: There is no blame if it is done for this purpose, to ward off evil, then there is nothing wrong with it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked by some Jews about certain matters, and when he informed them, they believed him and kissed his hand and his foot, (peace and blessings be upon him).
Q: Some Sufi scholars cite this hadith, and they bow to their hands and their knees?
The Shaykh: In any case, the Sufis have something greater than this; they have major shirk (associating partners with Allah), they have something greater than this. But as for one who has good in him, he is advised and directed toward the good. The discussion is about one who fears Allah and is mindful of Him. As for the polytheists and the superstitious, their matter is different.