Greeting (salam) is one of the recommended acts that is strongly emphasized in Islam. However, in some cases, this act is considered recommended, disliked (makruh), and in some cases, forbidden (haram). In the following, we will discuss the situations in which greeting is disliked or forbidden. Stay with us at Saeed News.
Every nation that possesses an ancient and deep-rooted civilization and culture has its own special social greetings. As you know, "Salam" (greeting) is the Islamic greeting and the slogan of Islamic law.
Allah the Almighty has mandated this praiseworthy tradition for the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), saying:
"And when those who believe in Our signs come to you, say to them: 'Peace be upon you.'"
The root "S-L-M" and its derivatives appear 140 times in the Qur'an. Ghoravi in his book "Al-Salam fi Al-Qur'an wa Al-Hadith" believes that "Salam" in the Qur'an is used in various meanings, and by analyzing these usages, one can conclude that in the Qur'an, "Salam" essentially holds four main meanings:
As the name of Allah: "He is Allah, there is no god but He, the King, the Holy, the Peaceful (Al-Salam)." (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:23)
Ceasing war and establishing peace: "And do not say to the one who offers you peace: 'You are not a believer.'" (Surah An-Nisa, 4:94)
Universal peace: "O you who have believed, enter into peace completely." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208)
A greeting and salutation: Salam is often used in the Qur'an to signify a greeting or salutation, meaning health and well-being. It encompasses all forms of peace, and thus can be extended in various situations.
In Islamic culture, greeting certain groups of people is forbidden. These groups include:
People involved in immoral or unlawful acts, such as gamblers, alcoholics, usurers, and those who openly commit sins. Greeting such individuals may be seen as endorsing their actions, which is why Muslims are encouraged to avoid greeting them, and instead, interact with a serious and unkind demeanor. This is the least one can do to avoid supporting their corrupt behavior unless the greeting may guide them towards righteousness.
People who mock and insult others, such as those who curse the mothers of others for amusement.
Apostates: People who have left Islam or the Muslim community. Greeting them could be seen as endorsing their false beliefs, which would reinforce their deviation. However, if greeting them could potentially guide them back to the right path, one might engage in it.
Non-Muslims: It is generally advised not to greet non-Muslims unless they initiate the greeting. In such cases, the greeting may be responded to with "Wa Alaikum" (And upon you). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Do not initiate the greeting with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians); if they greet you, say: 'Wa Alaikum.'"
Wahhabis: It is not forbidden to greet a Wahhabi if they are not an enemy of the Ahlul Bayt (family of the Prophet).
Poets: Specifically those whose poetry promotes falsehood and unworthy topics.
Musicians: Those who play musical instruments like the harp or tambourine.
Greeting a person who is praying: Some scholars consider greeting someone who is praying to be disliked (makruh), while others say it is merely a recommendation, not to be done, in certain cases.
Greeting people engaged in a task where responding to the greeting is difficult, such as someone brushing their teeth or in the middle of a prayer.
Men greeting young women: Imam Ali (PBUH) was known to greet women but refrained from greeting young women, fearing that it might lead to sinful thoughts.
Someone attending a funeral or going to the Friday prayer: Greeting these individuals is disliked because it could delay their important duties.
Greeting someone in the bathhouse: It is disliked to greet someone in the bathhouse because it might involve inappropriate gazing, which is discouraged in Islam. It is also considered impolite and inappropriate to know someone's private situation in such a place.
