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Question:
A person says a general salam when entering Masjid. If one person replies, is this enough on behalf of everyone in the Masjid? What’s better, replying salam or continuing zikr?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It is incorrect for a person to say a general salam in a loud voice when entering the Masjid, as is the habit nowadays, because this could disturb others praying, making zikr, reciting Quran, etc. If they want to greet someone who is not busy, they should approach that person individually and address them quietly so that others are not disturbed.
Nevertheless, it is not necessary for those who are engaged in the recital of the Quran, making zikr, waiting for the prayer, etc. to respond to such a salam. However, if one engaged in zikr responds to the salam and thereafter continues his zikr, he will attain the reward of responding to the salam and making zikr, hence to respond would be best even though it is not necessary. Also, one person’s response to such a general salam is sufficient on behalf of the people in the Masjid.
Fatawa Hindiya: v. 5, p. 401-402 (DKI)
السلام تحية الزائرين، والذين جلسوا في المسجد للقراءة والتسبيح أو لانتظار الصلاة ما جلسوا فيه لدخول الزائرين عليهم فليس هذا أوان السلام فلا يسلم عليهم، ولهذا قالوا: لو سلم عليهم الداخل وسعهم أن لا يجيبوه، كذا في القنية
Raddul Muhtar: v. 2, p. 375 (Maktaba Imdadia)
ويردون في الباقي لإمكان الجمع بين فضيلتي الرد، وما هم فيه من غير أن يؤدي إلى قطع شيء تجب إعادته.
Aap Kay Masail aur Unka Hal: v. 3, p. 250-251 (Maktaba Ludhyanawi)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham