What is the ruling on greeting those who are praying, and how does the one who is praying respond?
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The questioner : Noble Shaykh, what is the ruling on greeting a person who is praying, and how does the one who is praying respond if someone greets him?
The Shaykh : Yes, greeting the one who is praying is permissible, provided you do not fear that it will distract him from his prayer or that his response to your greeting will invalidate your prayer. This is because some of the common people do not know; perhaps if you say, "Peace be upon you," he will say, "Peace be upon you." The better course, if you wish to greet him, is to wait until he has finished his prayer and then greet him; this is the best. And if you do not wish to stay, leave and do not greet him.
As for the manner of responding, the response is with the hand. You may raise your hand like this, indicating that you have understood. Then, if he remains until he has completed his prayer, respond to his greeting with words. If he has left, the gesture is sufficient. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, greeting the one who is praying is permissible, provided you do not fear that it will distract him from his prayer or that his response to your greeting will invalidate your prayer. This is because some of the common people do not know; perhaps if you say, "Peace be upon you," he will say, "Peace be upon you." The better course, if you wish to greet him, is to wait until he has finished his prayer and then greet him; this is the best. And if you do not wish to stay, leave and do not greet him.
As for the manner of responding, the response is with the hand. You may raise your hand like this, indicating that you have understood. Then, if he remains until he has completed his prayer, respond to his greeting with words. If he has left, the gesture is sufficient. Yes.