Do I greet the one who is reciting the Qur'an, or do I withhold the greeting so as not to interrupt his recitation?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, do I greet the one who is reciting the Qur'an, or do I withhold the greeting so as not to interrupt his recitation?

Answer:
Yes, do not greet the one who is occupied with speech or recitation; do not greet him. For initiating the greeting is a recommended practice (sunnah), not an obligation. And this person is occupied. He is occupied with you. He may not respond to you, or he may respond to you, interrupting his occupation, which would cause him embarrassment. Praise be to Allah, the greeting is a recommended practice (sunnah) if no harm results from it. Yes.