The Ruling on Giving Salutations of Peace to the Disbeliever

Question :

These days, as a result of the contact between West and East, most of the (i.e. those from the West) disbelievers, from all different religions may be seen constantly greeting us with the salutation of peace whenever and wherever we meet them. What should we do regarding them?

Answer:

It has been authentically reported from Allah's Messenger that he said:
"And do not initiate the Jews and Christians in giving greetings of peace, and if you meet them on the road, force them to the side of it.

And he said:
"If the People of the Book give salams to you, then say: "Wa 'alaikum (And upon you)",

"The People of the Book" are the Jews and Christians; and the ruling for the rest of the disbelievers is the same as that for the Jews and Christians in this matter, since there is no evidence that there is any difference as far as we know. Thus, the disbeliever should never be greeted first with greetings of peace, and if he greets us first, we should respond by saying: "Wa'alaikum" in obedience to the order of the Messenger. There is no objection to asking him after that: "How are you and how are your children?", as this has been permitted by a number of the scholars, including Shaikhul-Islam, İbn Taimiyah may Allah have mercy on him. Especially if some Islamic benefit necessitates it, such as encouraging him. towards Islam and making him comfortable with it, so that he may accept and listen to an invitation to it, as Allah, the Almighty, the Majestic says:
Invite (mankind, O Muhammad), to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine. Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.

And He, the Most Glorified says:
And argue not with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) unless it be (in a way) that is better (with good words and in a good manner, inviting them to Islamic monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong.

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