What should we reply if a disbeliever says "peace be upon you" to us?
It is not permissible for a Muslim to initiate greeting a disbeliever with "peace" (Salam). If a disbeliever says "Al-Sam Alaikum" (a curse, meaning 'death be upon you') or does not clearly articulate the greeting, one should respond with "Wa Alaikum" (and upon you). However, if a Muslim is certain that the disbeliever said "Salam Alaikum" (peace be upon you) using a legitimate wording, the majority of scholars are of the opinion that it is obligatory to return the greeting with "Wa Alaikum Al-Salam" (and upon you be peace) out of justice, due to the generality of Allah Almighty's saying: (And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with one better than it, or [at least] return it [in a like manner]).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 25675
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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