The Shaykh’s note on offering the greeting before asking a question, and on the phrase "What is the ruling of Islam in such-and-such."
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The questioner : Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
O esteemed Shaykh, what is the ruling of Islam regarding holding Mawlid celebrations, whether they are for Shaykhs or for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?
The Shaykh : Yes, I say: And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. But I warn you that there is no greeting from one who is already seated to ask a question; the greeting is for the one who arrives. As for if one is seated and greets, what is the reason? The Companions would ask the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) questions, and one of them would not greet him, nor would they say to him: Why did you not greet? So the greeting is for the one who arrives, my brother.
As for your saying: "What is the ruling of Islam," I want you to correct the expression as well. Do not direct a question to a person who may err or be correct and say: "What is the ruling of Islam," because if he errs, from whom does the error come? From Islam. So say: "What do you see in such-and-such?" or "What is the ruling of Islam in your opinion?"
O esteemed Shaykh, what is the ruling of Islam regarding holding Mawlid celebrations, whether they are for Shaykhs or for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?
The Shaykh : Yes, I say: And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. But I warn you that there is no greeting from one who is already seated to ask a question; the greeting is for the one who arrives. As for if one is seated and greets, what is the reason? The Companions would ask the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) questions, and one of them would not greet him, nor would they say to him: Why did you not greet? So the greeting is for the one who arrives, my brother.
As for your saying: "What is the ruling of Islam," I want you to correct the expression as well. Do not direct a question to a person who may err or be correct and say: "What is the ruling of Islam," because if he errs, from whom does the error come? From Islam. So say: "What do you see in such-and-such?" or "What is the ruling of Islam in your opinion?"