i am a student in islamic university in uganda. Sine arriving here i've seen some p ratices done by both muslims and non-muslims, among them is women kneeling infront of men whenever they meet. ie a wife kneeling infront of the husband, or young ladies kneeling infront of elders. my question is... is this practice permissable in islam? and please give me clear evidenes from qura'n and sunnah. keeping in mind that this practice is supported by religiouse scholars and doctors in this university. Brother in islam: Faris

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It appears, Allaah knows best, that this act is not permissible as it is bowing when saluting or greeting and it is prohibited for the general meaning of the narration reported by Anas which reads: "A man asked: "O Prophet of Allaah, when a man amongst us meets his brother, should he bow to him." The Prophet replied: "No." The man asked again: "Should he hug him and kiss him? The Prophet replied: "No." The man further asked: "Should he shake hands with him." The Prophet said: "Yes." For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 84964 and 84465.

Finally, it should be noted that it is not permissible for a man to shake hands with a marriageable woman as the Prophet said: "If one of you were to be stabbed in the head with an iron rod, it would be better for him than touching a woman whom he is not permitted to touch." [At-Tabaraani and Al-Bayhaqi] For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 90678 and 88028.

Allaah Knows best.