What is the ruling on greeting people whose status I do not know, whether they are Muslims or disbelievers? And is it permissible to say, "Peace be upon the believers"?
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The questioner : O Shaykh, peace be upon you and Allah's mercy.
The Shaykh : Peace be upon you.
The questioner : I say: If I pass by workers and I do not know what is apparent of their condition, whether they are Muslims or disbelievers, how should I greet them?
The Shaykh : If you pass by a group of people and you do not know whether they are Muslims or disbelievers, then look at what is more likely in your view. Look at what is more likely, whether in their dress or in their appearance. If there is no indication of what is more likely, then look at the majority in this country. If the majority in this country are Muslims, then greet them. If the majority in this country are not Muslims, then do not greet them.
The questioner : Is it permissible for me to say: "Peace be upon the believers"?
The Shaykh : By analogy to what?
The questioner : "Peace be upon the believers," if they are believers, that is what is meant.
The Shaykh : It is permissible for you to say: "Peace be upon those who follow the guidance." But most of these workers do not understand the meaning of "Peace be upon those who follow the guidance." Yes.
The Shaykh : Peace be upon you.
The questioner : I say: If I pass by workers and I do not know what is apparent of their condition, whether they are Muslims or disbelievers, how should I greet them?
The Shaykh : If you pass by a group of people and you do not know whether they are Muslims or disbelievers, then look at what is more likely in your view. Look at what is more likely, whether in their dress or in their appearance. If there is no indication of what is more likely, then look at the majority in this country. If the majority in this country are Muslims, then greet them. If the majority in this country are not Muslims, then do not greet them.
The questioner : Is it permissible for me to say: "Peace be upon the believers"?
The Shaykh : By analogy to what?
The questioner : "Peace be upon the believers," if they are believers, that is what is meant.
The Shaykh : It is permissible for you to say: "Peace be upon those who follow the guidance." But most of these workers do not understand the meaning of "Peace be upon those who follow the guidance." Yes.