“May Allah accept it,” or “acceptance.” This is an innovation; the Companions never did such a thing. It is enough for the worshipper, when he ends the prayer, simply to turn to his right and to his left saying, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.”

As for bowing when meeting someone, or embracing and locking arms, the Prophet ﷺ was asked: “Should one bow?” He replied, “No.” The questioner then asked, “Should he clasp him and embrace him?” He replied, “No.” Thus, when a man meets his brother he should not clasp him—meaning he should neither pull him close, nor embrace him, nor bow to him. Bowing is even more serious and blameworthy, for it contains a kind of submission to other than Allah similar to the bowing (rukūʿ) performed for Allah in prayer; therefore it is forbidden. Rather, he should simply shake his hand, and that suffices—unless there is a specific reason, in which case hugging or kissing is permissible, such as when someone returns from a journey or the like.

Someone might ask: How does the Prophet’s statement “Do not bow to him” accord with Allah’s words about Joseph’s brothers: “When they entered upon him … he said, ‘Enter Egypt, Allah willing, in security.’ Then he raised his parents upon the throne, and they all fell down before him in prostration” (Yūsuf 12:99–100)? The answer is that this occurred under a previous dispensation, and our Islamic law has abrogated and prohibited it. Therefore it is not permissible for anyone to prostrate to, or bow before, another person—even without intending worship—for the Messenger ﷺ has forbidden bowing. If someone who is unaware of this ruling meets you and bows