SunnahAnswers · Fiqh Archive
Reference SA-0011
This is a curated archive of scholarly opinions for educational purposes. SunnahAnswers indexes existing answers from qualified scholars — we do not issue rulings ourselves.
Answer 1 of 3Published work 1 min read
SourcePublished work
Iqtida' as-Sirat al-Mustaqim
Iqtida' as-Sirat al-Mustaqim 1/420; Majmu' al-Fatawa 1/406
A Muslim does not initiate the greeting of Salām to a non-Muslim, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Do not initiate the Jews and Christians with the greeting of peace." If they greet the Muslim, he responds with "wa ʿalaykum" — only this, without "as-Salām". As for general words of address — "good morning", "how are you", words of business or kindness — there is no harm in these; what is reserved is the specific Islamic greeting which is a duʿā of peace, and a duʿā of peace is for the people of Islām.
Key Takeaway
Do not initiate "as-Salāmu ʿalaykum" with non-Muslims; if they greet you, reply only "wa ʿalaykum"; ordinary courteous speech is fine.
Librarians, not Muftis
SunnahAnswers is a curated index of scholarly opinions — we collect, organize, translate, and present them. We do not author or rule. For binding rulings on your specific situation, consult a qualified scholar.
Ref: SA-0011 · Report an issue
More from Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
Manners & AdabSA-0147
What are the Six Articles of Faith?
"They are six articles which a believer must affirm without distinction or partial acceptance: belief in Allah (His existence, Lordship, sole…"
Manners & AdabSA-0116
Who are the Salaf and why is following their understanding important?
"The Salaf as-Salih are the first three generations whom the Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly praised: "The best of people is my generation, then those…"
Manners & AdabSA-0150
Why do Muslims pray five times a day?
"The five daily prayers were obligated upon the Prophet (ﷺ) on the night of al-Isra'' wal-Mi''raj when he was raised above the seven heavens…"
Manners & AdabSA-0022
What is the ruling on gheebah (backbiting)?
"Gheebah (backbiting) is among the major sins, and Allah likened it to the most repulsive of acts: "And do not backbite one another. Would on…"
Manners & AdabSA-0068
How to make dua properly?
"Duʿā has conditions for its acceptance: that the food, drink, and clothing of the supplicant be from halāl; that he begins with praise of Al…"
Manners & AdabSA-0175
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
"Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum"
Manners & AdabSA-0167
Why do Muslims say "Assalamu Alaikum" as a greeting?
"The Islamic greeting, "Assalamu Alaikum" (Peace be upon you), is a fundamental practice in Islam with deep spiritual and social significance…"
Archived from sunnahanswers.com/fiqh/manners/greeting-non-muslims · Reference SA-0011
SunnahAnswers acts as a librarian — not a mufti. Consult a qualified scholar for binding rulings.