The period of abandoning salam due to displeasure

Question

Zayd and ‘Amr lived together. Later, for some reason, the two quarrelled, and Zayd said to ‘Amr: “From today you have no connection with me. Neither shall you use anything of mine, nor shall I use anything of yours.” But three days of displeasure had not even passed when ‘Amr greeted Zayd with salam, yet Zayd gave no reply. Now, according to the Shari‘a, upon whom is the sin? Should ‘Amr keep greeting Zayd with salam?

Answer

If maintaining the relationship involves fitna (trouble), then they should not keep up close contact, but salam must not be abandoned. If one of them gives salam, he is freed from responsibility; and if the other does not reply, the responsibility remains upon him.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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