Works of Abul Baraa Muhamad Amreeki

This question was asked to Shaykh bin Baz may Allah have mercy upon him.

Question: if the disbeliever gave greetings of Salam to the believer how do he reply?

Answer: yes, if the disbeliever gives Salams upon the believer (Muslim) he responds to him.

The Prophet sallahu wa alayhi was Salam said if the people of the book greet us with salam so say as a response و عليكم wa alaykum ( and upon you the same). He said sallahu wa alayhi wa Salam but do not insinuate the greetings (of salamu alaykum) upon the Jews or Christians.

So this indicates if they ( people of the book/non-Muslims) give the Salams we return it with و عليكم wa alaykum. Because it is prohibited that we initiate the salam. Concerning responding to them, it is obligated, yes.

Translated by Abul Baraa Muhammad Amreeki

السؤال:

إذا سلم الكافر على المؤمن، فهل يرد عليه السلام؟

الجواب:
نعم، إذا سلم الكافر على المؤمن يرد عليه، يقول النبي ﷺ: إذا سلم علينا أهل الكتاب فقولوا: وعليكم وقال ﷺ: لا تبدءوا اليهود والنصارى بالسلام، فدل على أنهم إذا بدءوا نرد عليهم؛ لأن المنهي عنه البداءة، أما الرد عليهم فواجب. نعم.