I live in a non-Islamic country (England). Every time I answer the phone I always say "Salaam". However, I was told recently that it is not permissible for me to do so, since many of the people phoning are English. Many ignore the saying and carry on as per usual; however, some do know how to reply and do so. Should I continue to say "Salaam" or not? Also, it is permissible for them to reply if they know how?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The Prophet said: “Do not greet the Jews and the Christians before they greet you; and when you meet any one of them on the road, force him to go to the narrowest part of it.” [Muslim]

According to the view of the majority of scholars of Islam, it is not permissible to take a lead in saluting Thimmis (free non-Muslim subjects living in a Muslim country). Such a ruling is with greater reason to be applied on disbelievers. But, if a disbeliever greets a Muslim, the latter has to respond with: "And on You", as reported in a sound Hadeeth.

The above ruling is related to taking a lead in saluting non-Muslims with “As-Salaamu 'Alaykum.”

As for greeting them with other forms except “As-Salaam”, the two schools of Ash-Shaafi'i and Ahmad also prohibit such a way. But Abu Haneefah and Malik and some scholars of the first two schools (Ash-Shaafi'i and Ahmad) are of the view that it is disliked to greet non-Muslims unless there is some genuine reason, such as a need for something from a non-Muslim, being a neighbor, or a relative.

As a final word, we state – by Allah's will – that the last point of view is the closest to what is right and correct.

For more benefit on greeting non-Muslims, please refer to Fataawa 88513 and 83602.

Allah knows best.