If, however, his innovation has not reached the level of disbelief, it is permissible both to initiate the greeting of peace with him and to return it, so long as he remains within Islam, which entitles him to the greeting. The same applies to sinful Muslims.

Refraining from greeting such people is prescribed only in certain circumstances, when doing so secures a greater benefit or averts a definite harm—for example, to discipline them, deter others, protect oneself from being influenced by them, or fulfill some other legitimate religious objective.

As for mutual estrangement, severing ties, and withholding the greeting of peace without a legitimate religious reason, this is something Allah does not love from His servants. We ask Allah to unite the Muslims upon truth and guidance, bring their hearts together upon righteousness and piety, and guide us all to the straight path.