Is the following Hadith authentic?
“Do not respond to the one who starts speaking without making salam”
(Ibnus Sunni)
Answer
Imam Ibnus Sunni (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma). However senior Muhaddithun like Imam Abu Zur’ah and Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahumallah) have expressed reservation with regards to the authenticity of this Hadith.
(‘Amalul Yawmi Wal Laylah, Hadith: 215. Refer: Kitabul ‘Ilal of Ibn Abi Hatim, Hadith: 2390 and 2516. Also see Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8556)
Starting with salam has been encouraged in the Holy Quran. Allah Ta’ala Says:
1) “O you who have brought Iman, do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants …”
(Surah Nur, Verse: 27)
2) “When you enter any home then greet one another”
(Surah Nur, Verse: 61)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar