Is the addition of (His forgiveness) made in the response and not in the initial greeting?

The Shaykh : The addition of "and His blessings" is prescribed only as a response to a salam that was delivered in its complete form to the end. That is, if someone greets you by saying, "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh," then you should respond to him with something better than it, and you may add "and His forgiveness." If he did not say "and His blessings," you may say it.

The questioner : Now the formulation is clear.

The Shaykh : By Allah?

The questioner : Ah.

The Shaykh : And there is nothing left that requires a question regarding this point, because our companion here is prepared.
Al-Halabi : If someone says, "As-salamu alaykum," O Shaykh, do you say to him, "wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh"?

The Shaykh : Yes, "and His blessings" up to "and His blessings," there is no objection.
Al-Halabi : I mean the order.

The Shaykh : No, no, it is not a condition. That is, if someone says, "As-salamu alaykum," you may say, "Wa alaykum as-salam." Or, "Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullah." Or, "Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh."
Al-Halabi : As for "and His forgiveness," it is not added unless the salam is completed.