Greeting a non-Muslim and a fasiq first; “My respects”, “namaste”; the words with which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ greeted the kafirs

Question

What is the ruling on greeting a non-Muslim with salam? If one passes by a gathering of theirs, should one greet them with salam or not? (2) How should one reply to words such as “My respects”, “namaste” (a Hindu greeting) and the like, which they use as a greeting? (3) With what words did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ greet the kafirs, and how did he reply to them? (4) May one greet kafirs with “as-salamu ‘alaykum” or not? (5) What is the ruling regarding the sinful and the wicked (fussaq wa fujjar)

Answer

The words they use as a greeting should be said neither first nor in reply. When there is a need, it is correct and established (thabit) to address them with: [ar]السلام على من اتبع الهدى[/ar] “Peace be upon whoever follows the guidance.” If they say “as-salamu ‘alaykum”, one should reply “wa ‘alaykum” (“and upon you”). (2)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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