Reply to the Greeting of a Non Muslim

Question

If a Non Muslim greets with the words: “Assalam ‘alaykum” then what should the response be?

Answer

Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“When the people of the book say salam to you, then reply by saying: wa ‘alaykum.” [only].

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6258 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 5617)

However, one should also refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for more details on the issue.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar