The First Section: The Ruling on Initiating the Greeting of Peace.

The Shaykh : Initiating the greeting of peace is a recommended practice (sunnah), provided it is not a form of boycotting. If it is a form of boycotting, then initiating it becomes obligatory. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, has permitted boycotting for a period of only three days. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: However, for a period of less than three days, the Shari'ah has granted a dispensation. This is because there may be something in one's heart, or one may hold a grudge against his brother that necessitates boycotting him for this short duration. In order to allow the soul some relief, the Lawgiver has permitted a person to boycott his brother for up to three days, just as He has permitted mourning (ihsad) for a deceased person for a period of three days, except in the case of a husband, for whom it is obligatory for the woman to observe the waiting period ('iddah), whether it is long or short. Why did the Shari'ah permit mourning for three days? Because when a person loses a loved one, he grieves, and a grieving person does not extend himself or indulge in luxury as a happy person does. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) allowed the soul its due for a period of three days. We now discuss the greeting of peace from several angles. First, the ruling on initiating it: What is it? It is a recommended practice (sunnah), provided it is not a form of boycotting. If it is a form of boycotting, it is limited to three days, with no increase.