Fatwa No : 6552
Assalamu Alikum to non-Muslims before starting to talk

Assalamu Alikum to non-Muslims before starting to talk

Assalamu Alaikum Mufthi Sahib,
We make Dua that you keep finer with the concept of Thowheed. Can we say Assalamu Alikum to non-Muslims before starting to talk any how it is a prayer for security. But some people say that Salam should be not said to non-Muslims in the Islamic way. We request you to please rectify us in this matter in the light of Qur'an and Sunnath whether we should or not say Assalamu Alaikum to non-muslims.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

Should not say Salam in the beginning to non-muslims. If he says Salam then should reply with just Wa Alaikum. Although some respected Fuqahas have explained an allowance to say Salam in case one happened to go to them for some necessity, yet, what is preferred is that, instead of saying Assalamu Alaikum, those common greetings, should be used which are normally used in the society when one meets another and also take care of the occasion and the environment.
Allah knows and His knowledge is perfect.
I'jaz Baksh
Darul Iftha, Jamia Binnoria,
3 Sha'ban 1430.