Is it permissible to greet and shake hands with a priest, and is it permissible for a Muslim to enter a church for contemplation and to see the monuments?
Scholars have differed on the ruling of greeting disbelievers with "Salam" and returning their greeting. Most of them are of the view that initiating the greeting of "Salam" is prohibited, and that returning the greeting should be with "Wa alaykum" (and upon you) or "alayk" (upon you); based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Do not initiate the greeting of Salam with the Jews and Christians." Some scholars have permitted it, while others have detailed that it is permissible out of necessity, need, or a recognized benefit. It is preferable to use another form of greeting. Some scholars have also disliked shaking hands with them. Therefore, what the brothers did by greeting with "Salam" and shaking hands is not appropriate, as it contains an encouragement for the priest and an showing of respect towards him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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