Desirability of exchanging greetings of Salam upon meeting each other

Q 8: If a Muslim enters the Masjid (mosque) and offers Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque), should they then greet the person sitting to their right or left who is engaged in reciting the Qur’an? A Muslim fears disturbing the reciters by greeting them and thus committing a sin. Yet if they are not greeted, they may harbor ill feelings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded, saying, Spread Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) among you. (Part No. 4; Page No. 119) The reciter may not know that the person has not greeted them so as not to distract them. So which is better; to greet the reciter at once or wait until the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) is announced?May Allah reward you the best of this world and the hereafter, and may He give you long life. Amen.


A: The Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) is to greet the reciter with Salam, according to what is stated in authentic Hadiths establishing the lawfulness of paying Salam and shaking hands with Muslims upon meeting them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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