Beware — and warn others — of rituals and symbols with pagan origins that have infiltrated from East Asian religions, especially from Hinduism.
The gesture known as Namaste is a common greeting in India and Nepal. It is used in a religious and cultural context, and in its theological roots it means: “I bow to the divine within you” or “The god within me greets the god within you.” This expression is based on the Hindu doctrine of pantheism or oneness of existence — the belief that the divine is present within all beings — exalted is Allah above what they claim.
Therefore, this greeting is not merely a sign of respect; it is an implicit acknowledgment of a polytheistic belief that contradicts the foundation of tawḥīd (monotheism), since joining the palms symbolizes the union of the supposed divine spirit in all things.
The Islamic Ruling
Islam commands the believer to devote all worship and glorification exclusively to Allah, the Almighty, and warns against any word or act that resembles the practices of polytheists or affirms their beliefs.
Allah the Exalted says:
“Say, O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship.” (Surah Al-Kafirun, 109:1–2)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4031; authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Abu Dawood)
The scholars have explained that imitation of non-Muslims falls into two categories: forbidden and permissible imitation.
1. Forbidden Imitation: This is doing something that is specific to the religion of the disbelievers, knowingly, and which has no basis in Islamic teachings. This is ḥarām (prohibited) and may even be a major sin — in some cases, it can amount to disbelief depending on the evidence. Whether one does it in agreement with them, out of desire, or under the false impression that it brings worldly or spiritual benefit — it remains impermissible.
If it is asked: Does someone who does such an act out of ignorance bear sin — like celebrating birthdays, for example? The answer: An ignorant person is not sinful due to ignorance, but he must be taught; if he persists after learning, he then bears sin.
2. Permissible Imitation: This refers to doing something that was not originally taken from the disbelievers but happens to be done by them as well. This is not blameworthy imitation, although it may forfeit the virtue of differing from them.
Therefore, a Muslim should avoid using greetings or symbols that are connected with polytheistic beliefs — even if they have become widespread among people who are unaware of their meaning.
✅ The Legitimate Alternative
Allah has legislated for the Muslims a great and noble greeting that combines good manners, supplication, and mercy — the greeting of Islam:
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh” (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings)
It is the greeting of the Prophets, the angels, and the people of Paradise, as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an:
“Their greeting therein will be: Peace.” (Surah Yunus, 10:10)
.jpg)
“Namaste” 
