Answering Salam

Q 2: What is the ruling on someone who does not return the Salam (islamic greeting of peace)? Whenever I meet him, I greet him first but he does not return my greeting.

A: The Muslims should exchange greetings so as to strengthen love and affection between them. It is not permissible for a Muslim to desert his brother for more than three days. If he does so, he becomes a sinner and should make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). If a person does not return his brother's greeting without a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) reason, he has deserted him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.