Manners (Part 1)
Chapter 8
Manners of Greeting with
Salaam
48984: Greeting the Shi'ah
first
Question:
What is the ruling on greeting a Shi'i first
with salaam? Especially since I mix with them a
great deal and they do not proclaim their
beliefs openly or slander (the Sahaabah) etc.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
What we say about interacting with the Shi'ah
depends on the situation. The innovated beliefs
of the Shi'ah vary. If it is something that does
not put them beyond the pale of Islam, but is
rather regarded as drifting away from the right
path, such as their claiming to be devoted to
Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him)), then it
is permissible to greet them first, because they
are Muslims who have committed acts of
innovation and sin that do not put them beyond
the pale of Islam, and we have to advise them
and direct them towards the Sunnah and the
truth, and warn them against innovation and sin.
If they follow right guidance and accept advice,
then praise be to Allaah, for this is what we
want. But if they persist in following
innovation, then they should be forsaken until
they repent to Allaah and give up their
innovations and evil ways, because this is a
kind of punishment for them. If something good
can be achieved by means of this forsaking, or
something bad warded off, then it is prescribed
in sharee'ah, but if this forsaking will result
in something that will increase the evil caused
by their innovations, then it is not prescribed.
If you think that not forsaking them will
serve a greater interest and that mixing with
them and advising them is more useful in opening
their hearts to true religion, then there is
nothing wrong with not forsaking them, because
the aim behind forsaking them is to direct them
to the right way and to make them feel that we
do not approve of their ways, so that they may
come back to true Islam.
If forsaking them will harm the Muslims'
interests and make them cling more firmly to
their false ways and put them off the truth,
then it is better not to do that, just as the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) did not forsake `Abd-Allaah ibn Ubayy ibn
Salool, the leader of the hypocrites, because
not forsaking him was more in the interests of
the Muslims.
But if their bid'ah constitutes kufr, such as
cursing the Sahaabah and exaggerating about `Ali
and Faatimah and al-Hasan and al-Husayn (may
Allaah be pleased with them), and they pray to
them and seek their help and ask them for
support and so on, or their belief that they
have knowledge of the unseen etc, which means
that they are beyond the pale of Islam, then in
this case it is not permissible to greet them
first or to befriend them or to eat meat
slaughtered by them. Rather we must hate them
and disavow ourselves of them, until they
believe in Allaah alone, because in this case
they are kaafirs and apostates. See Majmoo'
Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam, 28/216-217;
Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 4/262-263
It should be noted here that it is not
permissible to greet a kaafir first in general
terms, such as saying Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome)
and so on, because that involves honouring them
and venerating them, and the Muslim is higher in
status before Allaah, so we should not greet
them first. But if they say that to us then we
may greet them in the same manner as they
greeted us, because Islam is the religion of
justice that came to give each person his
rights.
Al-Majmoo' al-Thameen min Fataawa Ibn
`Uthaymeen, 1/48
See also question no. 10843
And Allaah is the source of strength.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
48966: Greeting a kaafir
first
Question:
Is it permissible for a Muslim to great a
non-Muslim first?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy
on him) was asked about the ruling on greeting
non-Muslims. He replied as follows:
Greeting a non-Muslim first is haraam and is
not permitted, because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not
initiate the greeting with the Jews and
Christians, and if you meet them in the street
push them towards the narrowest part of it." But
if they greet us we have to respond to them,
because of the general meaning of the verse in
which Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting,
greet in return with what is better than it, or
(at least) return it equally"
[al-Nisa' 4:86]
The Jews used to greet the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) by saying,
"Al-saam `alaykum ya Muhammad (Death be upon
you, O Muhammad)," praying that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) would die. So the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The Jews
say `al-saam `alaykum (death be upon you),' so
if they greet you, then say, `Wa `alaykum (and
also upon you).'"
If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim by saying
"al-saamu `alaykum," then we should respond by
saying "wa `alaykum (and also upon you)." The
fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said "wa `alaykum" indicates
that if they were saying "al-salaamu `alaykum
(peace be upon you)," then peace will also be
upon them, i.e., whatever they say to us, we say
to them. Hence some of the scholars said that if
a Jew, Christian or other non-Muslim clearly
says "al-salaamu `alaykum," it is permissible
for us to say " `alaykum al-salaam (upon you be
peace)."
Similarly it is not permissible to initiate a
greeting such as Ahlan wa sahlan
(welcome) and the like, because that is a kind
of honouring them. But if they say something
like that to us, then we should say something
similar to them, because the greeting should be
returned in like manner and each person should
be given his due. It is well known that the
Muslims are higher in status before Allaah, so
they should not humiliate themselves in front of
non-Muslims by greeting them first.
So, in conclusion, it is not permissible for
us to greet non-Muslims first, because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) forbade that, and because this is a
humiliation for the Muslim when he starts to
honour a non-Muslim. The Muslim is higher in
status before Allaah, so he should not humiliate
himself in this manner. But if we are greeted
then we should return the greeting in similar
terms.
Similarly it is not permissible for us to
greet them first with words such as Ahlan wa
sahlan (welcome), Marhaban (hello) and so on,
because that is a kind of honouring them, so it
is like initiating the greeting of salaams with
them.
Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 3/33.
If there is a need to greet a kaafir first,
there is no sin in that, but it should be
something other than the greeting of salaam,
such as saying Ahlan wa sahlan or How are you,
etc. In that case the greeting is for a reason,
not to honour him.
See al-Mawsoo'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 25/168.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said in Zaad al-Ma'aad (2/424),
concerning greeting a kaafir first:
A group of scholars said: It is permissible
to greet him first if that serves a purpose, or
for fear of his harm, or because of blood ties,
or for a reason that requires that. And Allaah
knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
39258: Ruling on greeting
women with salaam and returning their greeting
Question:
Is it permissible for me to return the
salaams of a woman who is a stranger to me,
i.e., a non-mahram?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Allaah has commanded us to spread the
greeting of salaam, and has enjoined us to
return the greeting to all Muslims. He has made
the greeting of salaam one of the things that
spread love among the believers.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
" When you are greeted with a greeting,
greet in return with what is better than it, or
(at least) return it equally. Certainly, Allaah
is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things
" [al-Nisa'4:86]
And it was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "You will not enter
Paradise until you (truly) believe, and you will
not (truly) believe until you love one another.
Shall I not tell you something which, if you do
it, you will love one another? Spread the
greeting of salaam amongst yourselves."
Narrated by Muslim, 54.
In the answer to question no. 4596,
there is a lengthy discussion on the importance
of greeting with salaam and returning the
greeting.
Secondly:
The command to spread the greeting of salaam
is general and applies to all the believers. It
includes men greeting men and women greeting
women, and a man greeting his female mahrams.
All of them are enjoined to initiate the
greeting of salaam, and the other is obliged to
return the greeting.
But there is a special ruling that applies to
a man greeting a non-mahram woman, because of
the fitnah (temptation) that may result from
that in some cases.
Thirdly:
There is nothing wrong with a man greeting a
non-mahram woman with salaam, without shaking
hands with her, if she is elderly, but he should
not greet a young woman with salaams when there
is no guarantee that there will be no fitnah
(temptation). This is what is indicated by the
comments of the scholars, may Allaah have mercy
on them.
Imam Maalik was asked: Can a woman be greeted
with salaam? He said: With regard to the elderly
woman, I do not regard that as makrooh, but with
regard to the young woman, I do not like that.
Al-Zarqaani explained the reason why Maalik
did not like that, in his commentary on
al-Muwatta': Because of the fear of
fitnah when he hears her returning the greeting.
In al-Adaab al-Shar'iyyah (1/370) it
says: Ibn Muflih mentioned that Ibn Mansoor said
to Imam Ahmad: (What about) greeting women with
salaam? He said: If the woman is old there is
nothing wrong with it.
Saalih (the son of Imam Ahmad) said: I asked
my father about greeting women with salaam. He
said: With regard to old women, there is nothing
wrong with it, but with regard to young women,
they should not be prompted to speak by being
made to return the salaam.
Al-Nawawi said in his book al-Adhkaar
(p. 407):
Our companions said: Women greeting women is
like men greeting to men. But when it comes to
women greeting men, if the woman is the man's
wife, or his concubine, or one of his mahrams,
then it is like him speaking to another man; it
is mustahabb for either of them to initiate the
greeting of salaam and the other is obliged to
return the greeting. But if the woman is a
stranger (non-mahram), if she is beautiful and
there is the fear that he may be tempted by her,
then the man should not greet her with salaam,
and if he does then it is not permissible for
her to reply; she should not initiate the
greeting of salaam either, and if she does, she
does not deserve a response. If he responds then
this is makrooh.
If she is an old woman and he will not be
tempted by her, then it is permissible for her
to greet the man with salaam and for the man to
return her salaams.
If there is a group of women then a man may
greet them with salaam, or if there is a group
of men, they may greet a woman with salaam, so
long as there there is no fear that any of the
parties may be tempted.
Abu Dawood (5204) narrated that Asma' the
daughter of Yazeed said: "The Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed by us
woman and greeted us with salaam." Classed as
saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
And al-Bukhaari (6248) narrated that Sahl ibn
Sa'd said: "There was an old woman of our
acquaintance who would send someone to Budaa'ah
(a garden of date-palms in Madeenah). She would
take the roots of silq (a kind of vegetable) and
put them in a cooking pot with some powdered
barley. After we had prayed Jumu'ah, we would go
and greet her, then she should offer (that food)
to us."
Al-Haafiz said in al-Fath:
Concerning the permissibility of men greeting
women with salaam and women greeting men: what
is meant by its being permitted is when there is
no fear of fitnah.
Al-Haleemi was quoted as saying: Because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) was infallible and protected from fitnah.
Whoever is confident that he will be safe from
temptation may greet (women) with salaam,
otherwise it is safer to keep silent.
And al-Muhallab is quoted as saying: It is
permissible for men to greet women with salaam
and for women to greet men, if there is no fear
of fitnah.
And Allaah knows best.
See Ahkaam al-'Awrah wa'l-Nazar by Musaa'id
ibn Qaasim al-Faalih.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
43154: Returning greetings to
kaafirs falls into three categories
Question:
If a kaafir greets a Muslim, should he return
his greeting? If he holds out his hand to shake
hands, what is the ruling? And what is the
ruling on serving him by giving him tea when he
is sitting in a chair?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allaah
have mercy on him) said:
If a kaafir greets a Muslim in a clear
manner, and says, "Al-salaamu `alaykum (peace be
upon you)," then one should say, "Wa `alayka
al-salaam (and upon you be peace)," because
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting,
greet in return with what is better than it, or
(at least) return it equally"
[al-Nisa' 4:86]
But if it is not clear, one should just say,
"Wa `alayk (and also upon you)."
Similarly if his greeting is clear and he
says, "Al-saam `alaykum (may death be upon
you)," then one should say, "Wa `alayk (and also
upon you)."
The three categories are as follows:
1 _ If he clearly says, "Al-saam `alaykum
(may death be upon you)," then one should reply,
"Wa `alaykum (and also upon you)."
2 _ If there is some doubt as to whether he
said "al-saam (death)" or "al-salaam (peace),"
then one should reply, "Wa `alaykum (and also
upon you)."
3 _ If he clearly says, "Al-salaamu `alaykum
(peace be upon you)," then one should reply, "Wa
`alaykum al-salaam (and upon you be peace),"
because Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting,
greet in return with what is better than it, or
(at least) return it equally"
[al-Nisa' 4:86]
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said:
If the listener is certain that what he said
to him was "Al-salaamu `alaykum (peace be upon
you), and he does not have any doubts about
that, should he say, "Wa `alayka al-salaam (and
upon you be peace)" or should he limit it to "wa
`alayk (and also upon you)." What is indicated
by the evidence and the basic principles of
sharee'ah is that one should respond, "Wa
`alayka al-salaam (and upon you be peace)",
because this comes under the heading of fairness
and justice, and Allaah enjoins justice and
kindness. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting,
greet in return with what is better than it, or
(at least) return it equally"
[al-Nisa' 4:86]
So He recommends kindness and enjoins
justice. This does not contradict any of the
ahaadeeth which speak of this issue, because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) only enjoined limiting the response to "Wa
`alaykum" for the reason mentioned above, which
is that they used to play with the words in
their greeting. Then Ibn al-Qayyim said: Even
though the general meaning of the verse is
applicable, this refers to the usual words of
greeting, not when they are playing with the
words. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"And when they come to you, they greet you
with a greeting wherewith Allaah greets you not,
and say within themselves: `Why should Allaah
punish us not for what we say?'"
[al-Mujaadilah 58:8]
If this reason does not apply, and the
kitaabi (Christian or Jew) says, `Al-salaamu
`alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah (peace be upon you and
the mercy of Allaah)," then it is only fair and
just to respond in a similar manner.
Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 200/1
In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it is narrated
from Ibn `Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him)
that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "When the Jews greet you,
they say, `Al-saam `alaykum (death be upon
you),' so say, `Wa `alayk (and also upon you)."
If he holds out his hand to shake hands with
you, then hold out your hand too, but do not
initiate the handshake.
With regard to serving a kaafir by giving him
tea when he is sitting in a chair, this is
makrooh, but there is nothing wrong with putting
the cup on the table.
From Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn `Uthaymeen (may
Allaah have mercy on him), 3/36.
(www.islam-qa.com)
20818: If there is no one in
the house should he still say salaam?
Question:
I have heard from many poeple here that when
you enter your home you should say SALAAM even
if no one is at home (just say it to yourself).
Is is right? is so what is the DALEEL for that?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Saying salaam when entering the house is
mustahabb, not obligatory, whether there is
anyone in the house or not.
Abu Dawood (5096) narrated that Abu Maalik
al-Ash'ari said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When
a man enters his house, let him say,
`Allaahumma inni as'aluka khayr al-mawlaj wa
khayr al-makhraj. Bismillaah walajna wa
Bismillaah kharajna wa `ala Allaahi rabbina
tawakalna (O Allaah, I ask You for the best
entering and the best exiting. In the name of
Allaah we enter and in the name of Allaah we
leave, and in Allaah our Lord we put our
trust),' then he should say salaam to his
family."
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 225.
Al-Tirmidhi (2698) narrated that Anas ibn
Maalik said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me, `O
my son, when you enter upon your family and say
salaam, it will be a blessing for you and the
members of your household. Al-Albaani said in
Takhreej al-Mishkaat (4652): this hadeeth
is hasan when all its isnaads are taken into
account.
These two hadeeth show that it is mustahabb
for a man to greet his family with salaam when
he enters his house.
With regard to it being mustahabb for a man
to say salaam to himself when entering a house
where there is no one, the scholars quoted
evidence for that.
1 _ The general meaning of the verse
(interpretation of the meaning):
"But when you enter the houses, greet one
another with a greeting from Allaah (i.e. say:
AsSalaamu `Alaykum — peace be on you), blessed
and good"[al-Noor 24:61]
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said
in his book al-Adhkaar (p. 49):
It is mustahabb to say Bismillaah (in the
name of Allaah) and to remember Allaah a great
deal, and to say salaam, whether there is any
human being in the house or not, because Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"But when you enter the houses, greet one
another with a greeting from Allaah (i.e. say:
AsSalaamu `Alaykum — peace be on you), blessed
and good" [al-Noor 24:61]
Al-Haafiz said:
It comes under the general meaning of
spreading salaam, and saying salaam to oneself
when entering a place where there is no one,
because Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"But when you enter the houses, greet one
another with a greeting from Allaah (i.e. say:
AsSalaamu `Alaykum — peace be on you)…"
[al-Noor 24:61]
Some mufassireen _ such as Ibn Jareer _
interpreted the aayah as meaning "greet one
another" [as in the translation of the meaning
quoted here]. This is like the verse in which
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one
another)"[al-Nisa' 4:29]
Al-Qurtubi said: The more correct view is to
say that this is general and applies to everyone
who enters a house. If there is a Muslim person
in the house he should say "Al-salaamu
`alaykum wa rahmat-Allaahi wa barakaatuhu
(peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allaah, and
His blessings)." If there is no one there, he
should say, "Al-salaamu `alayna wa `ala
`ibaad-Illaah il-saaliheen (peace be upon us
and upon the righteous slaves of Allaah)." If
there is someone in the house who is not a
Muslim, he should say, "Al-salaam `ala man
ittaba'a al-huda (peace be upon those who
follow true guidance)" or "Al-salaamu `alayna
wa `ala `ibaad-Illaah il-saaliheen (peace be
upon us and upon the righteous slaves of
Allaah)."
2 _ That is narrated from some of the
Sahaabah.
Al-Bukhaari narrated in al-Adab
al-Mufrad (1055) that Ibn `Umar (may Allaah
be pleased with him) said: "When you enter an
uninhabited house, say "Al-salaamu `alayna wa
`ala `ibaad-Illaah il-saaliheen (peace be
upon us and upon the righteous slaves of
Allaah)."
Al-Haafiz said: Its isnaad is hasan; and it
was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Adab al-Mufrad, 806.
Mujaahid said: When you enter the mosque,
say, "Al-salaam `ala Rasool-Illaah (Peace
be upon the Messenger of Allaah)," and when you
enter upon your family, greet them with salaam,
and when you enter a house in which there is no
one, say "Al-salaamu `alayna wa `ala
`ibaad-Illaah il-saaliheen (peace be upon us
and upon the righteous slaves of Allaah)."
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/306.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
22812: Adding the word
"ta'aala" to the greeting of salaam
Question:
I am accustomed to greeting people by saying
"Al-salaamu `alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah ta'aala wa
barakaatuhu (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of
Allaah, may He be exalted, and His blessings)."
Sometimes when I climb the minbar to deliver the
Friday khutbah I greet the people in the same
manner. One of them asked me whether I have any
evidence for adding the word ta'aala (may He be
exalted). I cannot find any evidence but I think
I heard it from some of the virtuous scholars.
Is it permissible to add this word to the
greeting or not?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The word ta'aala is not narrated in
the hadeeth. As this is the case, the Muslim
should not say it, and he should limit himself
to what was narrated in the Sunnah, which is to
say "Al-salaamu `alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah wa
barakaatuhu (Peace be upon you, and the
mercy of Allaah and His blessings)." The word
ta'aala is not part of the phrase that
was narrated, and if a person keeps saying it
then it becomes a habit or a "sunnah", but it
was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him).
But if a person does it sometimes, then there
is nothing wrong with that.
Shaykh Khaalid al-Mushayqih
(www.islam-qa.com)
31064: Ruling on greeting
with a wave of the hand
Question:
What is the ruling on greeting with a wave of
the hand?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to greet with a wave of
the hand, rather the Sunnah is to greet and
return the greeting with words. Greeting with a
wave of the hand is not permissible, because it
is an imitation of some of the kuffaar who do
that, and because it is contrary to what is
prescribed by Allaah. But if a person gestures
to the one whom he is greeting to indicate that
he is saying salaam, because he is far away,
whilst also uttering the words of the greeting,
there is nothing wrong with that, because there
is evidence to that effect. Similarly, if the
person who is greeted is busy praying, he may
respond with a gesture, as was narrated in the
saheeh Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah
li'l-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 6/352. (www.islam-qa.com)
12566: Ruling on initiating
the salaam when speaking on the telephone
Question:
What is the ruling on saying salaam to a
person to whom you are speaking on the phone,
when you do not know whether he is a Muslim or
not?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. The ruling is the same
as when meeting him in person. If you know that
he is a kaafir, then do not initiate the
greeting. But if you do not know, there is
nothing wrong with that.
And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah
li'l-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 6/286. (www.islam-qa.com)
21183: Shaking hands with a
non-maham woman
Question:
I would like a detailed answer on the ruling
on a man shaking hands with a woman, and the
views of the four imams and the majority of
scholars on that.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
It is not permissible for a man who believes
in Allaah and His Messenger to put his hand in
the hand of a women who is not permissible for
him or who is not one of his mahrams. Whoever
does that has wronged himself (i.e., sinned).
It was narrated that Ma'qil ibn Yassaar said:
the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "For one of you to be
stabbed in the head with an iron needle is
better for him than that he should touch a woman
who is not permissible for him."
Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer,
486. Shaykh al-Albaani said in Saheeh
al-Jaami', 5045, that this hadeeth is
saheeh.
This hadeeth alone is sufficient to deter and
to instill the obedience required of us by
Allaah, because it implies that touching women
may lead to temptation and immorality.
It was narrated that `Aa'ishah the wife of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "When the believing women
migrated to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), they would be
tested in accordance with the words of Allaah
(interpretation of the meaning):
`O Prophet! When believing women come to
you to give you the Bay`ah (pledge), that they
will not associate anything in worship with
Allaah, that they will not steal, that they will
not commit illegal sexual intercourse'
[al-Mumtahanah 60:12]
`Aa'ishah said: Whoever among the believing
women agreed to that had passed the test, and
when the women agreed to that, the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said to them: "Go, for you have given your
oath of allegiance.' No, by Allaah, the hand of
the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) never touched the hand of
any woman, rather they would give their oath of
allegiance with words only." And `Aa'ishah said:
"By Allaah, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) only took the
oath of allegiance from the women in the manner
prescribed by Allaah, and the hand of the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) never touched the hand of
any woman. When he had taken their oath of
allegiance he would say, `I have accepted your
oath of allegiance verbally.'"
(narrated by Muslim, 1866)
It was narrated from `Urwah that `Aa'ishah
told him about the women's oath of allegiance:
"The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) never touched any woman with
his hand. He would explain to the woman what the
oath of allegiance implied, and when she
accepted, he would say `Go, for you have given
your oath of allegiance.'"
Narrated by Muslim, 1866
This infallible one, the best of mankind, the
leader of the sons of Adam on the Day of
Resurrection, did not touch women. This is
despite the fact that the oath of allegiance was
originally given by hand. So how about men other
than the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him)?
It was narrated that Umaymah the daughter of
Raqeeqah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "I do
not shake hands with women."
Narrated by al-Nasaa'i (4181) and Ibn Maajah,
2874; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Saheeh al-Jaami', 2513.
Secondly:
It is not permissible to shake hands even
with a barrier in between, such as shaking hands
from beneath a garment and the like. The hadeeth
that was narrated allowing that is da'eef
(weak).
It was narrated from Ma'qal ibn Yassaar that
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) used to shake hands with women from
beneath a garment."
Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat,
2855.
Al-Haythami said:
This was narrated by al-Tabaraani in
al-Kabeer and al-Awsat. Its isnaad
includes `Ataab ibn Harb, who is da'eef (weak).
Majma' al-Zawaa'id, 6/39.
Wali al-Deen al-`Iraaqi said:
The words of `Aa'ishah, "He used to accept
the women's oath of allegiance by words only"
mean that he did so without taking their hands
or shaking hands with them. This indicates that
the bay'ah of men was accepted by taking their
hands and shaking hands with them, as well as by
words, and this is how it was. What `Aa'ishah
mentioned was the custom.
Some of the mufassireen mentioned that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) called for a vessel of water and dipped his
hand in it, then the women dipped their hands in
it. And some of them said that he did not shake
hands with them from behind a barrier and had a
Qatari cloak over his hand. And it was said that
`Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) shook
hands with them on his behalf. None of these
reports are sound, especially the last one, How
could `Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him)
have done something that the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), who was
ma'soom (infallible), would not do?
Tarh al-Tathreeb, 7/45
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said:
The most correct view is that this (i.e.,
shaking hands with women from behind a barrier)
is not allowed at all, because of the general
meaning of the hadeeth, according to which the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said, "I do not shake hands with women;"
and so as to ward off the means that may lead to
evil.
(Adapted from Hashiyat Majmoo'at Rasaa'il
fi'l-Hijaab wa'l-Sufoor, p. 69)
The same ruling applies to shaking hands with
old women; this is also haraam because of the
general meaning of the texts on this issue. The
reports that say it is permissible are da'eef
(weak).
Al-Zayla'i said:
"As for the report that `Abu Bakr used to
shake hands with old women, it is also ghareeb."
(Nasab al-Raayah, 4/240)
Ibn Hajar said:
I cannot find this hadeeth.
(al-Diraayah fi Takhreej Ahaadeeth
al-Hidaayah, 2/225)
Fourthly:
With regard to the views of the four imams,
they are as follows:
1 _ The Hanafi madhhab:
Ibn Nujaym said:
It is not permissible for a man to touch a
woman's face or hands even if there is no risk
of desire because it is haraam in principle and
there is no necessity that would allow it.
Al-Bahr al-Raa'iq, 8/219
2 _ The Maaliki madhhab:
Muhammad ibn Ahmad (`Ulaysh) said:
It is not permissible for a man to touch the
face or hand of a non-mahram woman, and it is
not permissible for him to put his hand on hers
without a barrier. `Aa'ishah (may Allaah be
pleased with her) said: "The Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) never accepted
a woman's oath of allegiance by shaking hands
with her; rather he (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) used to accept their oath of
allegiance by words only." According to another
report, "His hand never touched the hand of a
woman, rather he would accept their oath of
allegiance by words only."
(Manh al-Jaleel Sharh Mukhtasar
Khaleel, 1/223)
3 _ The Shaafa'i madhhab:
Al-Nawawi said:
It is not permissible to touch a woman in any
way.
Al-Majmoo', 4/515.
Wali al-Deen al-`Iraaqi said:
This indicates that the hand of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did
not touch the hand of any woman apart from his
wives and concubines, whether in the case of
accepting the oath of allegiance or in other
cases. If he did not do that despite the fact
that he was infallible and beyond suspicion,
then it is even more essential that others heed
this prohibition. It appears from the texts that
he refrained from doing that because it was
haraam for him to do so. The fuqaha' among our
companions and others said that it is haraam to
touch a non-mahram woman even if that is not
touching parts of her body that are not `awrah,
such as her face. But they differed with regard
to looking when there is no desire and no fear
of fitnah. The prohibition on touching is
stronger than the prohibition on looking, and it
is haraam when there is no necessity that would
allow it.
If it is the case of necessity, e.g. medical
treatment, removing a tooth or treating the
eyes, etc., if there is no woman who can do
that, then it is permissible for a non-mahram to
do that because it is the case of necessity.
Tarh al-Tathreeb, 7/45, 46
4 _ The Hanbali madhhab
Ibn Muflih said:
Abu `Abd-Allaah _ i.e., Imam Ahmad _ was
asked about a man who shakes hands with a woman.
He said, No, and was emphatic that it is haraam.
I said, Should he shake hands with her from
beneath his garment? He said, No.
Shaykh Taqiy al-Deen also favoured the view
that it is prohibited, and gave the reason that
touching is more serious than looking.
AlAdaab al-Shar'iyyah, 2/257
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
23274: The difference
between sending salaams on the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and sending
blessings
Question:
Is there any difference on offering between
blessing's and salaams on the prophet?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is prescribed for the Muslim to pray for
peace for the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) and to send salaams upon
him, just as it is prescribed to pray for
blessings for him. The evidence that it is
prescribed to send salaams upon the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is
the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Allaah sends His Salaah (Graces, Honours,
Blessings, Mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad), and
also His angels (ask Allaah to bless and forgive
him). O you who believe! Send your Salaah on
(ask Allaah to bless) him (Muhammad), and (you
should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way
of greeting (salutation, i.e. AsSalaamu
`Alaykum)"
[al-Ahzaab 33:56]
It was narrated that `Abd-Allaah said: the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah has angels who
travel about the earth, conveying to me the
salaams of my ummah." (Saheeh Sunan
al-Nasaa'i, 1215; al-Silsilat
al-Saheehah, 2853).
It was narrated that `Abd-Allaah said: "When
we prayed with the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) we used to say, `Peace be
upon Allaah from His slaves and peace be upon So
and so.' The Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said, `Do not say "Peace
(salaam) be upon Allaah", for Allaah Himself is
al-Salaam. Rather say, "Al-tahiyyaatu
Lillaahi wa'l-salawaatu wa'l-tayyibaat.
Al-salaamu `alayka ayyuha'l-Nabiyyu wa rahmat
Allaahi wa barakaatuhu. Al-salaamu `alayna wa
`ala ibaad-illaah il-saaliheen (All
compliments, prayers and pure words are due to
Allaah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the
mercy of Allaah and His blessings. Peace be on
us, and on the righteous slaves of Allaah)." If
you say this it will be for all the slaves in
heaven and between the heavens and the earth.
[Then go on to say] "Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha
ill-Allaah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu
wa rasooluhu (I bear witness that there is
no god except Allaah and I bear witness that
Muhammad is His slave and Messenger)." Then
choose whichever du'aa' you like and recite
it.'"
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 835)
It was narrated that Faatimah, the daughter
of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "When the Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) entered the mosque, he would say,
`Bismillaah wa'l-salaam `ala Rasool-illaah.
Allaahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaab
rahmatika (In the name of Allaah, and peace
be upon the Messenger of Allaah. O Allaah,
forgive me my sins and open to me the gates of
Your Mercy).' And when he exited he would say,
Bismillaah wa'l-salaam `ala Rasool-illaah.
Allaahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaab
fadlika (In the name of Allaah, and peace be
upon the Messenger of Allaah. O Allaah, forgive
me my sins and open to me the gates of Your
Bounty).'"
(Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah, 625)
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no one who
sends salaams upon me, but Allaah will restore
to me my soul so that I may return his salaams."
(Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 1795)
It was narrated from `Abd-Allaah ibn Abi
Talhah from his father that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) came one day with evident signs of
happiness on his face, and he said: "Jibreel
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came
to me and said, `Would it not please you, O
Muhammad, to know that no one among your ummah
will send blessings upon you but I will send ten
blessings upon him, and no one among your ummah
will send salaams upon you but I will send ten
salaams upon him." (Saheeh Sunan
al-Nasaa'i, 1228)
Sending salaams upon the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) is one of the
rights that the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) has over his ummah. The
Muslim is commanded to do this either in general
word or in the specific phrases narrated in the
reports, such as sending salaam on him in the
Tashahhud, and when entering or leaving the
mosque. The command to send salaams upon him
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) even
in his absence is one of the unique blessings
that Allaah has bestowed upon him alone, which
he does not share with anyone else, for it is
not prescribed to send salaams upon any specific
person in his absence apart from him (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him). Another of his
unique privileges is that the salaams of his
ummah are conveyed to him, so a person may
attain the virtue of sending salaams upon the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) and it reaching him even if he did not have
the opportunity to meet him during his lifetime
and even if a person is not able to go to his
grave after he died.
With regard to praying for blessing for the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him), this is also prescribed in Islam. One of
the reports that prove that it is prescribed is
the saheeh report from Abu Mas'ood al_Ansaari
who said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to us when
we were sitting with Sa'd ibn `Ubaadah, and
Basheer ibn Sa'd said to him: `Allaah has
commanded us to send blessings upon you, O
Messenger of Allaah. How should we send
blessings upon you?' The Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
remained silent until we wished that he had not
asked him. Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Say:
Allaahumma salli `ala Muhammad wa `ala aali
Muhammad kamaa salayta `ala aali Ibraaheem. Wa
baarik `ala Muhammad wa `ala aali Muhammad kama
baarakta `ala aali Ibraaheem fi'l-`aalameen
innaka hameedun majeed (O Allaah, send
blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of
Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon the family
of Ibraaheem, and bless Muhammad and the family
of Muhammad, as You blessed the family of
Ibraheem among the nations. Verily You are Most
Praiseworthy, Full of Glory). And the salaam is
as you know."
(Narrated by Muslim, 405)
Sending salaams upon the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) may be done by
saying "Al-salaamu `alayka ayyuha'l-Nabiyyu
wa rahmat Allaahi wa barakaatuhu (peace be
upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allaah and
His blessings). Or it may take the form of a
du'aa', praying that Allaah may keep him sound,
such as saying Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa
sallam (may Allaah send blessings and peace
upon him [i.e., the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him)]. A person's sending
salaam upon the Prophet may be done by
mentioning Allaah's name al-Salaam by way of
seeking the blessing of that name and this name
is suited to the context because you are asking
Allaah to keep him safe and sound, as if one is
saying "O Allaah, Whose name is al-Salaam, keep
your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) safe and sound." When the word
Salaam refers to the name of Allaah, it
appears with the definite article al-,
unlike when the word salaam appears in
the context of praying for peace, tranquility
and soundness to be bestowed by Allaah upon His
slaves, in which case it appears without the
definite article. "Because salaam from Him means
any amount of salaam, and any amount of salaam
from Him will be sufficient to make any slave of
Allaah have no need of salaam from anyone else
and no need for any greeting from anyone else;
and any salaam from Allaah will be sufficient to
grant him all of his wishes. So the least salaam
from Allaah _ and nothing can be described as
least when it comes from Allaah _ will bring the
greatest blessings and will ward off all causes
of misery, and will make life good and will ward
off all causes of doom and destruction.
Therefore in this context, when speaking of
salaam from Allaah, there is no need for the
definite article."
See Dabaa'i' al-Fawaa'id, 2/143
What is meant by salaam is being free from
evil and faults. So the one who sends salaams
upon the Prophet is praying for him (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) in this sense,
asking for the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) to be protecte from evil,
faults and shortcomings. As for blessings
(barakah), what this means is steadfastness and
stability. Blessing means growth and increase.
What is meant by praying for blessing for the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) is asking Allaah to bestow good upon him,
to make it lasting, to increase and multiply it.
And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A
(www.islam-qa.com)
4975: Responding to a kaafir
when he says salaam to a Muslim
Question:
WHEN A NON-MUSLIM SAYS SALAAM U
ALAIKUM(GREETS YOU) HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO
RESPOND?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. Muslim reported in his
Saheeh (14/144) from Anas ibn Maalik that
the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "When the People of
the Book say salaam to you (greet you by saying
al-salaamu alaykum), say `Wa
`alaykum' (and unto you).'" According to
another report, he was asked, "The People of the
Book say salaam to us. How should we respond?"
He said, "Say, `Wa `alaykum.'" According
to another report (14/164), he said, "When the
Jews greet you, they say `al-saam
`alaykum (death be upon you). So say `
`alayk (upon you).'" According to another
report he said, "So say, `wa `alayk' (and
upon you)." According to another report (14/146)
a group of Jews asked for permission to enter
upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), and they said,
"Al-saam `alaykum (death be upon you)."
`Aa'ishah said, "Bal `alaykum al-saam
wa'l-la'nah (No, death be upon you and
curses)!" The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "O
`Aa'ishah, Allaah loves gentleness in all
things." She said, "Did you not hear what they
said?" He said, "I answered, `Wa `alaykum
(and unto you).'" According to another report,
he said, "I answered, ` `alaykum'" _
without the "waw" (i.e., wa
meaning "and"). According to the last hadeeth
(14/148), he said, "Do not initiate the greeting
of salaam with the Jews and Christians, and if
you meet one of them on the road, push him to
the narrowest part of it."
All of these reports were narrated in the
Saheeh of Imaam Muslim.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said
in his commentary (14/144-145):
The scholars agree that the greeting of the
People of the Book should be returned, if they
greet us with salaam, but we should not say to
them, "Wa `alaykum al-salaam (and upon
you be peace)." We should say only "
`alaykum (upon you)" or "wa
`alaykum (and upon you)." Ahaadeeth have
been narrated by Muslim both with and without
the "wa" ("And"), but most of them
include it. On this basis, there are two
meanings, one of which is the apparent meaning:
if they say " `Alaykum al-mawt (death be
upon you)", then one should say, "Wa
`alaykum (and also on you)" _ meaning that
we and you are alike, we are all going to die.
The second meaning is that this is a waw
that is used to start a new idea or phrase, not
to connect it to the previous sentence or to
reiterate the same idea. This implies: and upon
you be what you deserve of condemnation. The
phrase without the wa implies: but rather
death should be upon you. Al-Qaadi said: some of
the scholars, including Ibn Habeeb al-Maaliki,
preferred to use the phrase without the
wa, so that it would not have the
implication that these people are like the
Muslims. Others said that it should be used with
the wa as it appears in the majority of
reports. Some of them said: he should reply "
`alaykum al-silaam (and upon you be stones)
_ but this is da'eef (weak). Al-Khattaabi said:
most of the muhadditheen (scholars of hadeeth)
reported it with the wa (wa
`alaykum), but Ibn `Uyaynah reported it
without the waw. Al-Khattaabi said: this
is what is correct, because if the phrase is
used without the waw, this means that
what they are saying is returned specifically
and exclusively to them, but if the waw
is used, it implies commonality with them in
what they are saying. This is the view of
al-Khattaabi. But the correct view is that it is
permissible either to use the waw or omit
it, as both have been mentioned in saheeh
reports, but including the waw is better,
as it appears in most of the reports. There is
nothing wrong with that, because al-saam
means death, which will come to us and to them,
so there is no harm in including the waw.
The scholars differed as to returning the
greeting of salaam when a kaafir initiates it or
initiating the greeting. Our opinion is that it
is haraam to initiate the greeting, but we have
to return their greeting by saying "Wa
`alaykum" or just " `alaykum." Our
evidence with regard to initiating the greeting
is the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), "Do not
initiate the greeting with the Jews and
Christians" and his command to reply by saying,
"Wa `alaykum." What we have mentioned as
our madhhab or point of view is also the opinion
of most of the scholars and the majority of the
salaf… It is permissible to initiate the
greeting when addressed to a group composed of
both Muslims and kaafirs, or one Muslim and a
number of kaafirs, but he should intend the
greeting to be directed towards the Muslim(s)
among them, because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) greeted an
assembly that included a mixture of Muslims and
mushrikeen.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
2291: Is it correct to end a
letter with the phrase "wa'l-salaam"?
Question:
Brothers end their letters to me with
"wassalaam", instead of say "assalaamualaikum"
can you please tell me if this is correct and
the references and their authenticity
You can also put the question on the web page
if you so
wish, I need a direct reply since
I may not be able to find the answer on the web
page. Jazzakallaah.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong
with ending a letter with the phrase
"wa'l-salaam," and it is not a condition
that the phrase should be used in full, because
when a written abbreviation is used, what the
writer means is the complete expression. So when
a person says "wa'l-salaam," what he or
she means is "wa'l-salaamu `alaykum." But
if the person sending the letter writes
"wa'l-salaamu `alayka" or
"wa'l-salaamu `alaykum" at the end, this
is better. Umar ibn al-Khattaab ended his letter
to the qaadi Shurayh with the words
"wa'l-salaamu `alayka" [Sunan
al-Nisaa'i, 5304] and `Umar ibn `Abd
al-`Azeez ended his letter to one of his workers
in the same way
[Muwatta' Malik, Kitaab al-jihaad].
Ibn Katheer reported in al-Bidaayah
wa'l-Nihaayah from Ibn `Asaakir that Ziyaad ibn
Abi Sufyaan sent Sa'eed ibn al-`Aas gifts, money
and a letter proposing marriage to his daughter.
When the gifts, money and letter arrived,
[Sa'eed] read the letter, shared out the gifts
among the people sitting with him, then wrote a
nice, polite letter back to him in which he
said: "In the name of Allaah, Most Gracious,
Most Merciful. Allaah says: `Nay! Verily man
does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and
evil deeds, etc.), because he considers himself
self-sufficient.'
[al-`Alaq 96:6-7 _ interpretation of the
meaning]. Wa'l-salaam."
However, the person sending the letter should
greet the addressee with the complete phrase
("Al-salaamu alaykum") at the beginning
of the letter, as has been the habit of the
Muslims from the time of the Prophet SAWS (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) until the
present. And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
26785: Ruling on initiating
the greeting of salaam with Jews and Christians,
and how to push them to the narrowest part of
the road
Question:
According to a hadeeth narrated by Imaam
Muslim in his Saheeh from Abu Hurayrah (may
Allaah be pleased with him), the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Do not initiate the greeting of
salaam with the Jews and Christians, and if you
meet one of them on the road then let him go to
the narrowest part of it." (Muslim, al-Salaam,
2167). Doesn't doing this put people off
entering Islam?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
You should note that the best of those who
call people to Allaah is the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), and that the
best of those who guide people to Allaah is the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him). If we know that, then we should be
skeptical about any interpretation of the words
of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) that does not make sense or does not
seem to be wise. We should realize that our
understanding of the Prophet's words may be
wrong. That does not mean that we should judge
the ahaadeeth of the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) on the basis of
our personal reasoning, because our reasoning
and understanding may be lacking. But there are
general guidelines in sharee'ah to which we may
refer with regard to individual matters.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "Do not initiate the greeting of
salaam with the Jews and Christians, and if you
meet one of them on the road then let him go to
the narrowest part of it." What this means is:
do not give way to them if you meet them, so
that the way is open for them and you cause
restriction to yourself. Rather, continue on
your way and leave the narrow gap _ if there is
a narrow gap _ for them. It is known that the
teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him), when he saw a kaafir, was
not to go and crowd him out of the way so that
he would end up against the wall. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did
not do this to the Jews of Madeenah and his
Companions did not do that after their conquests
of other regions.
What it means is that just as you do not
initiate the greeting of salaam, you should not
make room for them. If they meet a group of you,
do not split up to let them pass, rather
continue on your way and leave them the narrow
space if there is a narrow part of the road.
This hadeeth is not meant to put people off
Islam, rather it is a manifestation of the
Muslim's pride and a sign that he does not
humiliate himself for anyone except his Lord.
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Rasaa'il al-Shaykh Ibn
`Uthyameen, part 3, p. 38 (www.islam-qa.com)
11559: Ruling on greeting a
non-Muslim teacher
Question:
Is it permissible to greet a non-Muslim
teacher in the classroom or outside?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not
initiate the greeting to the Jews and
Christians." (Narrated by Muslim, Kitaab
al-Salaam). The Jews used to pass by the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) and say "Al-saam `alaykum" meaning death.
So the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) told us to say "Wa `alaykum (and also
to you)." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab
al-Adaab; Muslim, Kitaab al-Salaam).
So you should not initiate the greeting, but
if he greets you and initiates the greeting,
then say, "Wa `alaykum." But Ibn al-Qayyim (may
Allaah have mercy on him) mentioned in Ahkaam
Ahl al-Dhimmah that if we know for sure that
a kaafir has said "Al-salaamu `alaykum," then we
may say, "Wa `alaykum al-salaam."
From Fataawa al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-`Uthaymeen, Kitaab al-`Ilm, p. 154, 155
(www.islam-qa.com)
10512: Is it permissible to
delay returning salaams because of enmity?
Question:
There is personal enmity between me and
another person. If he greets me with salaam, is
it permissible for me to respond after he has
gone away, or do I have to return his salaam
immediately?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. The Hanafis and
Shaafa'is are of the view that it is obligatory
to return the salaams immediately.
Ibn `Aabideen said: delaying returning the
salaam for no valid reason is makrooh tahreeman
(very makrooh or disliked to the point of being
almost haraam). The sin is not lifted by
returning the salaam, but by repentance.
Al-Mawsoo'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, vol. 39, p. 247
(www.islam-qa.com)
1504: If it is not known
whether a person is a Muslim or a kaafir, can we
say salaam to him?
Question:
If I meet a person and I do not know whether
he is a kaafir or a Muslim, should I say salaam
to him or return his greeting or not?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It was reported in the hadeeth that you
should say salaam to those you know and those
you do not (narrated by al-Bukhaari, 12; al-Fath
1/55) but this applies only to Muslims, or those
who appear to be Muslim. It was also reported
that it is forbidden to say salaam to Jews and
Christians, because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not
initiate the greeting of salaam to a Jew or
Christian, and if you meet them in the street,
push them to the narrowest part of the road."
(Narrated by Muslim, 2167). He also said: "If
the People of the Book greet you with salaam,
say `wa `alaykum' (and also upon you)."
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6258).
But at that time the People of the Book were
distinct from the Muslims in their dress and
appearance, and they were not allowed to
resemble Muslims. But in these times,
unfortunately, many Muslims look like them, and
we can no longer tell the difference between a
Muslim and a Christian. Everyone - except for
those whom Allaah wills _ looks the same in
dress, in being clean-shaven, in wearing nothing
on their heads, or wearing western-style caps,
so the matter is more confusing. If someone who
looks like the mushrikeen says salaam to you,
say "Wa `alaykum," and do not initiate the
greeting, because of the uncertainty about him.
If he objects and tells you off, then apologize
to him. You had reason to act as you did,
because you did know whether he was a Muslim or
a Christian, because he is not dressing as a
Muslim and prefers the dress of the Christians
and others. Tell him that "whoever imitates a
people is one of them" (Saheeh, narrated by
Imaam Ahmad, 2/50-92), and advise him to
distinguish himself from the kuffaar and to
dress as the Muslims dress, like his father,
grandfathers and the scholars of the Muslims. If
he persists in what he is doing, this means that
he likes the characteristics of the Christians
and is imitating them, and that he despises the
Muslims and is going against them, even though
he does not gain anything from that besides
blind imitation. This indicates that he admires
those kuffaar and thinks that their worldly
achievements and inventions, etc., stem from
their false religion. This is going too far, for
the Muslims are wiser and more able to invent
and produce, so he should not be deceived by the
Mushrikeen.
Al-Lu'lu' al-Makeen fi Fataawaa al-Shaykh ibn
Jibreen, p. 49 (www.islam-qa.com)
5495: Can we greet the
kuffaar with a greeting other than salaam?
Question:
I would like to understand something about
the greeting of the kouffar. I know that we
don't have to give them sellem first but I have
this question if we live in a kouffar country
are we allow to greeting them first but no with
sellem but with good morning like in the
workplace, an another example some neighbours
know me since I'm a child I always try to not
greeting them first but sometime especially with
old person I tell them good morning because I
know them since I was born. I really would like
to make this clear because sometime you have to
greeting them like in a meeting you are not the
first so you give them greeting when you enter
or when you arrive at work, etc.
So can you explain me if the rule apply also
for their greeting like good morning and we have
to not forget that we live in their country so
we are in weak position.
Thank you to explain
me this issue (about the sellem it's clear) and
is the hadith only apply for the sellem or also
for the kouffar's greeting.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. We appreciate your
eagerness to learn; may Allaah increase us and
you in knowledge and acceptable righteous deeds.
It was reported from Mu'aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyaan
(may Allaah be pleased with them both) that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Whomever Allaah wills good for, He
enables him to understand the religion." (Agreed
upon).
In response to your question: His Excellency
Shaykh `Abd al-`Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have
mercy on him) was asked the following question:
Nowadays, as a result of dealing with the
West and the East _ most of whose people are
kuffaar of different sects and religions _ they
say the greeting of Islam ("as-salaamu
`alaykum") when they meet us in any place. What
should we do with regard to them?
He (may Allaah have mercy on him) replied:
It was reported that the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Do not initiate the greeting of salaam to
the Jews and Christians, and if you encounter
them in the street, push them to the narrowest
part of the road." (Narrated by Muslim). And he
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "If the people of the Book greet you with
salaam, say `Wa `alaykum (and also upon
you).'" (Agreed upon). The People of the Book
are the Jews and Christians; the ruling
concerning the rest of the kuffaar is the same
as the ruling concerning the Jews and Christians
with regard to this matter, because there is no
evidence (daleel) to indicate anything
different.
So we should not initiate the greeting of
salaam to a kaafir at all; if he initiates the
greeting of salaam, then we should say "wa
`alaykum" in response, in obedience to the
command of the Messenger (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him). There is no reason why we
cannot then say, How are you? Or, How are your
children? _ as has been permitted by some of the
scholars, including Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah
(may Allaah have mercy on him), especially when
doing so serves an Islamic purpose such as
encouraging him to take an interest in Islam so
that he will be receptive to da'wah, because
Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
"Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of
your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with
the Divine Revelation and the Qur'aan) and fair
preaching, and argue with them in a way that is
better"
[al-Nahl 16:125]
"And argue not with the people of the
Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in
(a way) that is better (with good words and in
good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism
with His Verses), except with such of them as do
wrong" [al-`Ankaboot 29:46]
(Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Rasaa'il Samaahat
al-Shaykh `Abd al-`Azeez ibn Baaz Fataawaa
al-`Aqeedah, part 2, p. 1042)
Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said, with regard to initiating the
greeting with a kaafir: "A group _i.e., of
scholars _ said: it is permissible to initiate
the greeting for a purpose, such as some
interest that one hopes to achieve, or because
one fears his harm, or because they are related
by blood, or for some other reason that dictates
that."
(Zaad al-Ma'aad, part 2, p. 424).
(www.islam-qa.com)
7092: How should we respond
when the People of the Book greet us with
salaam?
Question:
What is the proper way of greeting a
non-muslim (5%'er,FOI,or Christian)when they
greet you with the correct Salam's.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
If the Muslim realizes that the kaafir has
said to him "al-saam `alaykum", which means may
death be upon you, he should respond in kind by
saying "wa `alaykum" (and also upon you).
If he realizes beyond a doubt that he has
greeted him with the greeting of Islam
(al-salaamu alaykum), Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah
have mercy on him) said: if the listener
realized that the Dhimmi [Jew or Christian] has
said "salaam `alaykum" and he is sure of that,
should he say "wa `alayk al-salaam" or just "wa
`alayk"?
According to the evidence and principles of
sharee'ah, he should say "wa `alayk al-salaam",
because this is more fair, and Allaah commands
us to be just and to treat others well.
(Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/425, 426).
Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih ibn `Uthaymeen (may
Allaah preserve him) said:
These people who have come to us from the
east and the west and are not Muslims, it is not
permissible for us to initiate the greeting of
salaam with them, because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not
initiate the greeting of salaam with the Jews
and Christians." (Narrated by Muslim in his
Saheeh).
If they greet us, then we can respond in a
manner similar to that in which they greet us,
because Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting, greet
in return with what is better than it, or (at
least) return it equally" [al-Nisaa' 4:86].
When they greet us with the greeting of Islam
_ "al-salaamu `alaykum" _ either of the
following two cases applies:
Either they pronounce the "laam"
(l-sound) clearly, and say "al-salaam `alaykum
(peace be upon you)", so we may say "wa `alaykum
al-salaam" or "wa `alaykum"
Or they do not pronounce the "laam"
clearly, and so they say "al-saamu `alaykum
(death be upon you)", so we should say "wa
`alaykum" only. This is because the Jews used to
come to the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) and greet him by saying
"al-saam `alaykum", without pronouncing the
"laam". "Al-saam" means "death"; i.e., they were
praying against the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him), praying that he would
die. So the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) commanded us to say to them
"wa `alaykum."
Thus, if they say "al-saam `alaykum", we
should reply, "wa `alaykum", which means: and
the same to you, may death be upon you. This is
what is indicated by the Sunnah.
But if we initiate the greeting of salaam
with them, our Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) forbade us to do this.
(Majmoo' Fataawaa Ibn `Uthaymeen,
2/97, 98).
And Allaah knows best. For more information,
see Question # 6583. Islam Q&A Sheikh
Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
6670: Ruling on greeting
with a gesture
Question:
What is the ruling in Islaam on greeting by
means of gesture with the hands. One usually
does this if the person is afar. Is this
permissible or does it have no basis?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. Al-Tirmidhi narrated in
al-Sunan (5/56) from `Abd-Allaah ibn `Amr
that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "He is
not one of us who imitates others. Do not
imitate the Jews or the Christians, for the
greeting of the Jews is a gesture with the
fingers and the greeting of the Christians is a
gesture with the hand." Al-Albaani said: (it is)
hasan.
The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) "he is not one of us"
means he is not one of those who follow the same
path as us and pay attention to doing things our
way. "Who imitates others" means, he imitates
those who are not of our religion. The meaning
is: do not imitate them at all in any of their
deeds, especially in these two characteristics.
They would only give or return a greeting by
means of a gesture, without speaking the words
of salaam (peace), which is the way of Adam and
his descendents among the Prophets and awliyaa'
(close friends of Allaah). Al-Nasaa'i reported
with a jayyid isnaad from Jaabir, attributing it
to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him): "do not give the greeting of the
Jews, for they greet by means of a gesture of
the head and hand." Note: al-Nawawi said: this
(the hadeeth of Jaabir) does not contradict the
hadeeth of Asmaa' bint Yazeed: the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
passed through the mosque where a group of women
were sitting, and he greeted them with a wave of
his hand. This hadeeth is to be interpreted as
meaning that he greeted them with both a gesture
and the words of greeting. Abu Dawood also
reported this hadeeth from her, saying, "and he
greeted us." The prohibition on greeting with a
gesture only is limited to those who are able _
both physically and within the limits of
sharee'ah _ to speak the words of greeting.
Otherwise it is permissible for the one who is
doing something that prevents him from speaking
to respond to a greeting with a gesture _ such
as when one is praying, or when one is far away;
it is also permissible to use gestures if one is
unable to speak ("dumb"), or when greeting the
deaf.
Greeting with a gesture and without speaking
is an imitation of the Jews or Christians. The
same applies to many military salutes. The
scholars have stated that it is bid'ah to greet
with a gesture and without saying the words of
greeting (i.e., "al-salaamu `alaykum"). See:
al-Lama' by al-Turkmaani, 1/285, 282.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
6583: How should we return
the greeting of salaam from a non-Muslim?
Question:
What should we say when greeting by a
non-Muslim with: As salaamu `alaykum?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible _ firstly _ to initiate
the greeting of salaam to a non-Muslim. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Do not initiate the greeting of
salaam to a Jew or a Christian…" (Narrated by
Muslim, 2167).
If one of them says "As-Saam `alaykum"
_ meaning, may death be upon you _ or it is not
clear whether they have said "salaam", then we
should respond by saying "Wa `alaykum"
(and upon you).
It was reported that Ibn `Umar (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "When the Jews greet you, they say
`Al-saam `alaykum (may death be upon
you),' so respond by saying ``alayk (and
also upon you).'"
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5902; Muslim,
2461).
If a non-Muslim greets us with the correct
shar'i greeting (i.e., says `Al-salaamu
`alaykum' clearly), the scholars differed as
to whether we have to return the greeting. The
majority of scholars said that we do have to
return the greeting, and this is the correct
view.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said: they differed as to whether it is
obligatory to return the greeting. The majority
said that it is obligatory and this is the
correct view. A group of scholars said that it
is not obligatory to return their greeting just
as it is not obligatory to return the greeting
of those who follow bid'ah. But the correct view
is the first one. The difference is that we are
commanded to forsake the followers of
bid'ah by way of rebuke and to warn
others about them, which is not the case with
the Ahl al-Dhimmah (Jews and Christians).
(Zaad al-Ma'aad, 2/425, 426)
The Muslim who is returning the greeting
should respond in the manner prescribed by
sharee'ah, giving a similar or better greeting,
because of the general meaning of the Aayah
(interpretation of the meaning):
"When you are greeted with a greeting, greet
in return with what is better than it, or (at
least) return it equally."
[al-Nisa' 4:86]
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him)
said: if the person is certain that the
Dhimmi (Jew or Christian) is clearly
saying `al-salaamu `alaykum' to him, and
he has no doubts about that, should he say
`wa `alayka al-salaam' or shorten it to
`wa `alayk'? What is indicated by the
evidence and principles of sharee'ah is that he
should say `wa `alayka al-salaam',
because this is more just, and Allaah commands
us to be just and to treat others well… this
does not contradict any of the ahaadeeth on this
topic at all, because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to
shorten the greeting to `wa
`alayk' because of the reason
mentioned above, which is that they deliberately
used to say `al-saam `alaykum' instead of
`al-salaam `alaykum', as indicated in the
hadeeth narrated by `Aa'ishah (may Allaah be
pleased with her). He said, "Do you not see that
I say `wa `alaykum' when they say
`al-saam `alaykum'?" Then he said, "If
the People of the Book greet you with
salaam, say, `Wa `alaykum.'"
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"… and when they come to you, they greet you
with a greeting wherewith Allaah greets you not,
and say within themselves, `Why would Allâh
punish us not for what we say?'…"
[al-Mujaadilah 58:8]
If this reason is not there, and the Jew or
Christian says, `Salaam `alaykum wa
rahmat-Allaah,' then it is only fair to
respond in kind.
(Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/425, 426)
The hadeeth of `Aa'ishah was narrated by
al-Bukhaari (5901) and Muslim (2165)
See also: Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn
`Uthaymeen, 2/97
And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A Sheikh
Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
3498: If a person thinks
that someone will not return his salaam, should
he still say salaam?
Question:
If a person thinks that if he greets someone,
that person will most likely not return his
salaam, should he still say salaam or not?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, he should still say salaam.
From Fataawa al-Imaam al-Nawawi, p. 67
(www.islam-qa.com)
4052: Is it mustahabb for
one who gets up to leave a gathering to say
salaam to those who are still sitting?
Question:
Is it mustahabb for one who gets up to leave
a gathering to say salaam to those who are still
sitting, or not? Is there any hadeeth about this
or not?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is Sunnah to do that. Abu Hurayrah (may
Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "When one of you joins a gathering,
let him say salaam. When he wants to get up and
leave, let him say salaam. The former is not
more important than the latter."
(Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said, It is a
hasan hadeeth.).
From Fatawa al-Imaam al-Nawawi, p. 67
(www.islam-qa.com)
4596: The importance of
saying salaam and returning the greeting
Question:
CAN YOU TELL ME A DETAIL INFORMATION ON THE
IMPORTANCE OF SAYING SALAAM AND SAYING
WAALAIKUM-AS-SALAAM
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
All people have the custom of greeting one
another, and every group has its own distinctive
greeting that distinguishes them from other
people.
The Arabs used to greet one another with the
words "An'im sabaahan" or "An'imu
sabaahan" [equivalent to "Good morning" _
Translator], using words derived from
"al-ni'mah", which means good living after the
morning. The idea was that because the morning
is the first part of the day, if a person
encounters something good in the morning, the
rest of the day will be good too.
When Islam came, Allaah prescribed that the
manner of greeting among Muslims should be
"Al-salaamu alaykum," and that this greeting
should only be used among Muslims and not for
other nations. The meaning of salaam (literally,
peace) is harmlessness, safety and protection
from evil and from faults. The name al-Salaam is
a Name of Allaah, may He be exalted, so the
meaning of the greeting of salaam which is
required among Muslims is, "May the blessing of
His Name descend upon you." The usage of the
preposition `ala in `alaykum (upon
you) indicates that the greeting is inclusive.
Ibn al-Qayyim said in Badaa'i' al-Fawaa'id
(144):
"Allaah, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the
Peace, prescribed that the greeting among the
people of Islam should be `al-salaamu `alaykum',
which is better than all the greetings of other
nations which include impossible ideas or lies,
such as saying, `May you live for a thousand
years,' or things that are not accurate, such as
`An'im sabaahan (Good morning),' or
actions that are not right, such as prostrating
in greeting. Thus the greeting of salaam is
better than all of these, because it has the
meaning of safety which is life, without which
nothing else can be achieved. So this takes
precedence over all other aims or objectives. A
person has two main aims in life: to keep
himself safe from evil, and to get something
good. Keeping safe from evil takes precedence
over getting something good…"
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) made spreading salaam a part of faith.
Al-Bukhaari (12, 28 and 6236), Muslim (39),
Ahmad (2/169), Abu Dawood (5494), al-Nisaa'i,
(8/107) and Ibn Hibbaan (505) narrated from
`Abd-Allaah ibn `Umar that a man asked the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him): "What is the best thing in
Islam?" He said, "Feeding others and giving the
greeting of salaam to those whom you know and
those whom you do not know." Ibn Hajar said in
al-Fath (1/56):
"i.e., do not single out anybody out of
arrogance or to impress them, but do it to
honour the symbols of Islam and to foster
Islamic brotherhood."
Ibn Rajab said in al-Fath (1/43):
"The hadeeth makes the connection between
feeding others and spreading salaam because this
combines good actions in both word and deed,
which is perfect good treatment (ihsaan).
Indeed, this is the best thing that you can do
in Islam after the obligatory duties."
Al-Sanoosi said in Ikmaal al-Mu'allim
(1/244):
"What is meant by salaam is the greeting
between people, which sows seeds of love and
friendship in their hearts, as does giving food.
There may be some weakness in the heart of one
of them, which is dispelled when he is greeted,
or there may be some hostility, which is turned
to friendship by the greeting."
Al-Qaadi said in Ikmaal al-Mu'allim
(1:276):
"Here the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) was urging the believers to
soften their hearts. The best Islamic attitude
is to love one another and greet one another,
and this is achieved by words and deeds. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) urged the Muslims to foster love between
one another by exchanging gifts and food, and by
spreading salaam, and he forbade the opposite,
namely forsaking one another, turning away from
one another, spying on one another, seeking out
information about one another, stirring up
trouble and being two faced.
Love is one of the duties of Islam and one of
the pillars of the Islamic system. One should
give salaams to those whom one knows and those
whom one does not know, out of sincerity towards
Allaah; one should not try to impress other
people by giving salaams only to those whom one
knows and no-one else. This also entails an
attitude of humility and spreading the symbols
of this ummah through the word of salaam."
Thus the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) explained that this salaam
spreads love and brotherhood. Muslim (54), Ahmad
(2/391), and al-Tirmidhi (2513) narrated from
Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him)
that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"You will not enter Paradise until you
believe, and you will not believe until you love
one another. Shall I not tell you about
something which, if you do it, you will love one
another? Spread salaam amongst yourselves."
Al-Qaadi `Ayaad said in al-Ikmaal
(1/304):
"This is urging us to spread salaam, as
mentioned above, among those whom we know and
those whom we do not know. Salaam is the first
level of righteousness and the first quality of
brotherhood, and it is the key to creating love.
By spreading salaam the Muslims' love for one
another grows stronger and they demonstrate
their distinctive symbols and spread a feeling
of security amongst themselves. This is the
meaning of Islam."
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) also explained the reward earned by
the one who says salaam, as was reported by
al-Nisaa'i in `Aml al-yawm wa'l-laylah
(368) and al-Bukhaari in al-Adab
al-Mufrad (586) and by Ibn Hibban (493).
They reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be
pleased with him) that a man passed by the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) whilst he was sitting with
some others, and said "Salaam `alaykum (peace be
upon you)." The Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said, "[He will have] ten
hasanaat (rewards)." Another man passed by and
said "Salaam `alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah (peace be
upon you and the mercy of Allaah)." The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said, "[He will have] twenty hasanaat." Another
man passed by and said "Salaam `alaykum wa
rahmat-Allaahi wa barakaatuhu (peace be upon you
and the mercy of Allaah and His blessings)." The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said, "[He will have] thirty hasanaat."
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) commanded us to return salaams, and
made it a right and a duty. Ahmad (2/540),
al-Bukhaari (1240), Muslim (2792), al-Nisaa'i in
al-Yawm wa'l-Laylah (221) and Abu Dawood
(5031) all reported that Abu Hurayrah (may
Allaah be pleased with him) said that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "The Muslim has five rights over his
fellow-Muslim: he should return his salaams,
visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral,
accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for
him [say "Yarhamuk Allaah"] when he
sneezes."
It is clear that it is obligatory to say
salaam and return salaams, because by doing so a
Muslim is giving you safety and you have to give
him safety in return. It is as if he is saying
to you, "I am giving you safety and security,"
so you have to give him the same, so that he
does not get suspicious or think that the one to
whom he has given salaam is betraying him or
ignoring him. The Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) told us that if Muslims
are ignoring or forsaking one another, this will
be put to an end when one of them gives salaam.
Al-Bukhaari (6233) reported that Abu Ayyoob (may
Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: `It is not permissible for a Muslim
to forsake his brother for more than three days,
each of them turning away from the other if they
meet. The better of them is the first one to say
salaam.'"
This is a brief overview of the importance of
giving and returning salaam.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
371: Giving salaams to
people in the mosque during the khutbah
Question:
Is it the sunnah to say assalaamu `alaykum
out loud when entering the masjid (while others
are praying or during the khutbah) ?
Please advise the daleel. Jazzakallhu Khayrun
Answer:
The author of Zaad al-Mustanfi' said
it is permissible for the imaam to greet the
congregation with salaam when he faces them.
Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen said, in his interesting
comment, that this is because this practice was
reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him). Even though there is
some weakness in this hadeeth (i.e. in its
isnaad), this is what the ummah has done and it
is well known that when the imaam comes and gets
up on the minbar, he greets the people with
salaam. (Reported by al-Shu'bi). Abu Bakr and
`Umar used to do this. Reported by `Abd
al-Razzaaq , Ibn Abi Shaybah, 2/114, Ibn Maajah
and al-Tabaraani. It was also reported by
al-Bayhaqi from Jaabir ibn `Umar, narrating from
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him), then he said: a report concerning
this was narrated from Ibn `Abbaas from `Umar
ibn `Abd al-`Azeez. Then the shaykh said in his
commentary: it is not permitted to speak when
the imaam is delivering the khutbah, it is only
permitted before and after the khutbah, even
after the khateeb has arrived and after the
adhaan, so long as the khateeb has not started
his khutbah. (Ibn `Uthaymeen, Al-Sharh
al-Muttabi' li Zaad al-Mustanfi', 5/78). [??
Makath ??] is well known, from which we know
that it is obligatory to return the greeting of
salaam, so in this case we understand that it is
not forbidden to speak. And Allaah knows best.
Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni: "When
the imaam faces the people, he greets them with
salaam and they respond, then he sits down."
Then he mentioned the hadeeth quoted above, and
others. Then he said (may Allaah have mercy on
him): "When he greets them with salaam, the
people should respond, because it is more of an
obligation to return the greeting than to
initiate it. Then he should sit down and rest
until the mu'adhdhinoon (muezzins) finish."
(al-Mughni 2/297). And Allaah knows best.
May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his
family.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
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Introduction