Is it permissible to offer greetings of peace (salam) to women, and what is the ruling on returning it if they initiate it? Does the ruling differ based on the woman's age or when there is a need to speak with her? What are the sayings of the jurists regarding this, and is the matter obligatory or permissible?

The majority of jurists prohibited greeting a young woman or returning her greeting, for fear of temptation (fitna). However, a foreign woman speaking to a foreign man is permissible out of necessity, provided it adheres to শরী‘আ (Islamic law) guidelines. Greeting a group of women by a man is sunnah (definition) if there is no fear of temptation. Al-Nawawi was of the opinion that returning the greeting of an old woman is obligatory. The Malikis differed regarding the obligation of a young woman returning a foreign man's greeting.