How does the one who is praying respond to the greeting? Is the response obligatory?
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The questioner : As for the one who is praying, how does he respond to the greeting, O Shaykh?
Is the response obligatory?
The Shaykh : Greeting the one who is praying is permissible, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not disapprove of those who greeted him, unless the one greeting fears that he will disturb the one who is praying, in which case he should not greet him, or unless he fears that he will speak in response. That is, most of the common people do not understand; perhaps if you greet him, he will say, "Peace be upon you," and his prayer would become invalid if he is aware of this. In any case, we say that greeting the one who is praying is not disapproved of, due to the approval of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of it, unless one fears what?
Is the response obligatory?
The Shaykh : Greeting the one who is praying is permissible, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not disapprove of those who greeted him, unless the one greeting fears that he will disturb the one who is praying, in which case he should not greet him, or unless he fears that he will speak in response. That is, most of the common people do not understand; perhaps if you greet him, he will say, "Peace be upon you," and his prayer would become invalid if he is aware of this. In any case, we say that greeting the one who is praying is not disapproved of, due to the approval of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of it, unless one fears what?