Ruling on returning the greeting of a Christian, attending their funeral, and offering condolences for them


Question:

What is the ruling on returning the greetings to Christians, attending their funerals, and offering condolences to them?

Answer:

A Muslim should return the greeting of a Non-Muslim by saying, “wa ‘alaykum” (same to you). It was authentically reported in a Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “When the People of the Book offer you salutations, you should say: The same to you.” 1

It is not permissible for a Muslim to follow the funeral procession of a Non-Muslim, as it is Haram (prohibited) for a Muslim to take them as allies. However, it is permissible for a Muslim to offer condolences to non-Muslims when necessary by saying, “May Allah offer you the best condolence and relieve your ordeal”. A Muslim should not add, “May Allah forgive the deceased” as it is not permissible to ask forgiveness for a Non-Muslim.

  1. Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on asking permission, no. 6258; Muslim, Sahih, Book on greetings, no. 2163; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Tafsir, no. 3301; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on manners, no. 5207; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on manners, no. 3697; and Ahmad, Musnad, vol. 3, p. 218. ↩

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions