The Ruling on Greeting an Innovator

Question:
What is the ruling on greeting an innovator?

Answer:
This requires a detailed explanation: If one hopes that he will enter into the truth, respond to the truth, and abandon his innovation, then one should return his greeting or initiate the greeting, advise him, and call him to good, just as one returns the greeting of a disbeliever if he greets. As he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The People of the Book are the Jews and the Christians And he said: This indicates that they should not be greeted first, but their greeting should be returned if they greet.
The innovator’s status is lower than that of a disbeliever, provided he is not a disbeliever, but it may be obligatory to boycott him; because he is a Muslim who needs discipline and guidance, so he is boycotted so that he may be disciplined. If the scholar, or the prince, or the prominent people of the community boycott the innovator, perhaps he will repent, and this is a right that is required. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims boycotted Ka'b ibn Malik and his two companions when they lagged behind the Battle of Tabuk without an excuse. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims boycotted them until Allah turned to them in mercy and they repented.
As for if one hopes that through his conversation and advice he will be guided, and that he will abandon his innovation, then he should speak to him, advise him, and direct him to good, and explain to him the evil of his deed and the invalidity of his innovation, perhaps he will respond to the truth, and Allah will guide him through his hands. This is a required matter, just as the disbeliever is called to enter Islam, and the sinner is called to repentance.
Thus, the innovator is called and directed to good. He may be ignorant, and the matter may have been confused for him, so he is advised and directed, and the invalidity of what he is holding onto is explained to him. If he is guided, that is well; otherwise, it is obligatory to boycott him, if the one boycotting hopes that this boycott will benefit him, profit him, and deter him. Otherwise, let him continue with him if he does not see the boycott as beneficial, and sees that continuing in the call is more beneficial. He should continue in his call to the Sunnah and abandoning innovation at appropriate times, perhaps he will respond, until people are safe from his evil. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.