I want to find out how should one reply to a salam by non muslims, in our office there are few christians and when we come in the morning

I want to find out how should one reply to a salam by non muslims, in our office there are few christians and when we come in the morning they say ASSLAMOALIKUM. What should be my answer WALAIKUM or WALIKUM US SALAM. Conversely can i say ASSALAMOALIKUM to non muslims(is there any discrimination of people of book and those who dont believe like Hindu, sikh etc.)

In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalāmu ῾alaykum wa Rahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh

It is not permissible for a Muslim to initiate the salaam to a Non-Muslim. Rasulullah (sallallāhu alaihi wasallam) mentioned in a Hadeeth:

”Do not initiate Salām to a Jew or a Christian”

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol.2, pg.99, HM Saeed)^[1]

If there is a need to make Salaam to the Non-Muslim, Salaam should be made with the following words “السلام على من اتبع الهدى” (may peace be upon the one who follows the guidance).

In the case when a Non-Muslim makes Salaam to a Muslim, a Muslim should reply with the words
  “وعليك” (and to you to) or “هداك الله الاسلام “(may Allah guide you).

(Addurrul Mukhtār, Vol.6, pg.412, HM Saeed)^[2]
(Raddul Muhtār, Vol.6, pg.412, HM Saeed)^[3]
(Ahsanul Fatāwa, Vol.8, pg.134, HM Saeed)
(Fatāwa Mahmūdiyyah, Vol.19, Pg.97, Farūkiyyah)

However, some Ulama have mentioned that it is permissible to reply the full Salaam with this intention, “Allah grant him the good fortune to accept Islam through which he will be deserving of the mercy of Allah”.

(Dars-e-Tirmidhi, vol.5, pg.262, Deoband)

And Allāh Ta῾āla Knows Best
Wassalāmu ῾alaykum 

Ml. Rayhaan Docrat,
Student Dārul Iftā

Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah

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