Receiving elders’ prayers by holding their feet

Question

Question: Zayd tells his children: “Take hold of the feet of your mother, grandfather, grandmother and others and receive their du‘as (prayers for you),” because they are righteous and venerable people — for example on the occasion of ‘Id and the like, or when setting off on and returning from a journey. So is this holding of the feet permissible?

Answer

Kissing the foot of a revered elder for blessing (tabarruk) and out of respect is permitted, provided that the form of a prostration (sajda) does not arise and one’s belief is not corrupted. As for “holding the feet,” i.e. merely touching the feet, this is the custom of showing respect among the Brahmins and their distinctive mark (shi‘ar); it is necessary to refrain from it.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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