Asking Allah to have mercy on an unjust ruler and greeting a person who abandons Salah

Q 5: Is it permissible to ask Allah (Exalted be He) to be merciful with unjust rulers or to initiate Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) with those who abandon Salah (Prayer)?

A: It is permissible to ask Allah (Exalted be He) to be merciful with unjust rulers so long as they died as Muslims.As regards a person who abandons Salah defiantly, they are regarded as Kafirs (disbelievers) according to Ijma` (consensus of scholars). Likewise, whoever abandons Salah out of laziness without denying its obligation is a Kafir according to the most correct opinion of the scholars. Hence, it is not permissible to initiate Salam with them or even to return their Salam, (Part No. 24; Page No. 142) because they are considered apostates.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.