How should behave with misguided people like Shias?

Q. How should behave with misguided people like Shias? At the university where I study, there are a lot of such people and they talk ill of some sahabah like Abu Bakr, Umar and Abu Hurayrah (R.A). Can I say them ‘assalamu alaikum” or respond to their greeting?

A. Shi’ahs who hold beliefs that render them out of the fold of Islam cannot be considered as Muslims, nor can they be treated as such. For example, they believe that the Qur’an is incomplete or they reject the chastity of Sayyidatuna Aa’ishah (Radiyallahu Anha), or they harbour enmity against the beloved companions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) etc; they should not be greeted with Salaam nor should you respond to their greeting with Salaam. Rather, you should greet them or respond to their greeting like how you would do so for a non-Muslim; for example, you may respond to their greeting by saying: “Assalamu Ala Manit Taba’al Huda” (Peace be upon those who follow the correct path)

You may also greet a non-Muslim by using the general gesture of greeting that is not associated to any religion in particular. For example, a Muslim may greet a non-Muslim by saying “Hello” or “Good Day”, “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon” or “Good Evening”.

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed

Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099 Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163 Website : www.jamiat.org.za