Saying: “Peace be upon those who follow the guidance” when entering upon Muslims

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, a questioner says: If I enter upon a group of Muslims and say “Peace be upon those who follow the guidance,” is this a valid greeting?

The Shaykh:
No, they are disbelievers. You say “Peace be upon those who follow the guidance” to them. To Muslims, you say “Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.” Yes, is this said to a disbeliever? Yes.

The presenter:
Honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh:
And peace, he said , and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when he wrote to Heraclius and to al-Maqquqis and to the kings of the disbelievers, said , yes.