['Aalim Network QR] Bowing in Karate/Respect to the 14 Ma'sumeens (AS)

[Mustafa Rawji <mrawji@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salaamun alaykum,

        The following two questions on bowing were referred to Ayatullah
Seestani (May Allah (swt) grant him a long life).  We are grateful to all
those who assisted us in the consultation, formulation and referral of these
questions to the Marja.

Wasalaam,

Mustafa Rawji
Moderator, 'Aalim Network

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Q1. When the name of one of the Fourteen Ma'sumeen (a.s.) is mentioned, what
kind of show of respect is appropriate and permissible:
        a) only in our heart and mind?
        b) in our heart as well as by bowing down of the head from the neck?
        c) in our heart as well as by bowing down of the upper body from the
           waist?  

A1.  In the name of the Almighty.  All these expressions of respect is
permissible.  However, it is better (ihtiyat) to refrain from bowing down
from the waist (like ruku) for other than Almighty Allah.
                        
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Q2.  In some sports like Judo, Karate, Sword..., it is necessary to bow your
head or bow the upper body from the waist as a sign of respect for the
trainer or the audience.  In such kind of bowing, there is not intention of
worship.  Is these kind of expression of respect permissible?

A2.  It is permissible;  but adherence to the ihtiyat mentioned above is better.
  
        Allah knows the best.

        25 Sha`ban 1417
        Ali al-Husayni As-Sistani