Regarding the greeting to the one who is praying, do we inform people that this is a recommended practice (sunnah) or that it is, for example, a prescribed matter?

The questioner : Shaykh, regarding the greeting to the one who is praying, I mean, do we inform people that this is a recommended practice (sunnah) or that it is, for example, a prescribed matter?

The Shaykh : First: What do you mean by the difference between a recommended practice (sunnah) and a prescribed matter?

The questioner : The matter is simple, I mean, for example, a recommended practice (sunnah) means that a person is encouraged to do it, whereas a prescribed matter means that if he does it, he owes nothing, without intending it.

The Shaykh : Do you mean by prescribed that it is permissible?

The questioner : It is permissible.

The Shaykh: But?

The questioner : Yes, just that.

The Shaykh : It is not a recommended practice (sunnah).

The questioner : I mean, if you come to a person who is praying, do you greet him or not?

The Shaykh : You must greet him.

The questioner : He does not greet.

The Shaykh : You must greet him.

The questioner : Even if he is praying!