Islamic Greetings for Non-Muslims: What’s Permissible and What’s Not

Greeting Non-Muslims: A Guide for Muslims

Question: It is said that we should not greet non-Muslims with “Salaam.” Can we greet them with “Namaste” or something else in their language?

Answer: It is not permissible to greet non-Muslims with “Salaam” or respond to their greeting of “Salaam.” Additionally, Muslims should not use greetings like “Namaste” or other similar phrases from non-Muslim traditions. However, simple and neutral phrases such as “Hello,” “Good Morning,” or “Greetings” may be used when addressing non-Muslims.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail