What is the authenticity and interpretation of the hadith: "Do not initiate the greeting of peace with the People of the Book... and if you meet them on a path, compel them to its narrowest part"?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
The : "Do not greet the Jews and Christians first, and if you meet one of them on a road, force them to its narrowest part" is an authentic Hadith. Its meaning is a prohibition against initiating greetings with Jews and Christians, and this ruling includes other disbelievers. As for "force them to its narrowest part," it means not widening a narrow path for them out of honor and respect, not pushing them into a ditch.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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