Suppose if I am offering namaz and someone came from behind and says As’salam Aalaikum and I recognized that voice or I recognized that person and I answered him my mind. Will that affect my namaz?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 192/160/B=01/1435)
If you responded the salam in your heart and did not pronounce the words ‘walaikumussalam’ by tongue, then your salah was valid. But, if you pronounced or spoke it then salah shall be nullified.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband