Is responding to a sneezer an individual obligation or a collective obligation?

Question : What is the ruling on responding to a sneezer: is it an individual obligation or a collective obligation?

Answer : The majority of scholars hold that it is a collective obligation, but the Sunnah indicates that it is an individual obligation, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that it was a right , but on the condition that the sneezer praises Allah. If he does not praise Allah, there is no obligation to respond to him. But should you remind him if he forgot, or teach him if he was ignorant? As for the second case, yes, if you are convinced that the man is ignorant, such as someone who recently embraced Islam, then teach him. However, if he praises Allah, do not respond to him, because his praise is merely a habit. As for if he was forgetful, and you know that the man means he knows that the sneezer should praise Allah but he forgot, then do not remind him; rebuke him by withholding the supplication for him.