Is it permissible to initiate greetings (salam) to People of the Book (Jews and Christians)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jizya
Primary text
It is not permissible to initiate the greeting (salam) to Jews or Christians. Evidence for this is the tradition narrated by Abu Hurairah, where the Messenger of Allah commanded, "Do not initiate the greeting upon the Jews and the Christians." Furthermore, another tradition states, "We are departing tomorrow, so do not initiate the greeting upon them, and if they greet you, then say, 'Wa 'alaykum' (And upon you)." The consensus supports this prohibition regarding initiating greetings.
Supporting text
If People of the Book initiate the greeting, the response must be restricted to saying only, "Wa 'alaykum" (And upon you). It is disliked to inquire about their well-being, such as asking, "How are you this morning?" or "How is your condition?" as this is considered more severe than initiating the greeting.