Returning Greetings of Peace Immediately After the Prayer
Question :
What is the ruling on a congregation of people greeting each other after the Fajr prayer in particular. I have heard someone saying that it is an innovation, and another person saying that there is nothing wrong with it. What is correct? And may Allah reward you well.
Answer:
We are not aware of any harm in this, for when a desert. Arab, after incorrectly performing the prayer, approached the Prophet, he said Salam, and the Messenger of Allah returned his greeting. Then the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Go back and pray, for you have not prayed."
The man went to pray, and after he finished, he returned again to the Prophet and greeted him. The Prophet ﷺ returned his greetings, after which he said, again:
"Go back and pray, for you have not prayed."
This is recorded in the Two Sahihs. The Prophet did not reproach this man for uttering the Salam the second and third time. Rather he returned the greeting even though the man only went to pray, without leaving him. For spreading the greeting. among the congregation helps to unite the hearts and strength- en love for each other.
Source:
Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Pages 217-218