Respected Mufti Sahab, Can we greet with Salaam while picking up the telephone? what if the caller is non-muslim? If we unknowingly greet with Salaam to a non-muslim, are we sinner. Can we greet with Salaam to Shia’h or other related sects and if they greet us with Salaam can we reply. Jazak Allah Khair. Was Salaam
Answer
When one receives a telephone call, it is advisable not to respond with Salaam until one is sure that the caller is a Muslim. If a non-Muslim greet
with Salaam, we should reply by saying, ‘Salaamun `Alaa manittaba`a al Hudaa
‘ (May Salaam be upon those who follow guidance).
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.