It is also reported in a hadith: “It is sufficient sin for a person to neglect those whom he is responsible for providing for and sustaining.” (1)

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, return it with one better than it, or return it in like manner. Indeed, Allah is ever Reckoner over all things.” (86)

His saying, exalted is He: “And when you are greeted with a greeting, return it with one better than it, or return it in like manner.” Tahiyyah is a supplication for life; what is meant here by it is the greeting of peace. Thus, if a Muslim greets you, respond with a better greeting, or return it as he greeted you. If he says, “Peace be upon you,” then say, “And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah.” If he says, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah,” then say, “And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.” If he says, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings,” then return the same greeting.

It is narrated that a man greeted Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, saying, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings,” and then added something further. Ibn Abbas said: “The greeting ends with blessings.” (2)

It is narrated from Imran ibn Husayn that a man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, “Peace be upon you.” The Prophet returned his greeting and said, “Ten.” Then another man came and said, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.” He returned his greeting, and the man sat down. The Prophet said, “Twenty.” Then another man came and said, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.” He returned his greeting and said, “Thirty.” (3)

Know that initiating the greeting of peace is a sunnah, while returning it is obligatory. It is a communal obligation. Likewise, giving the greeting is a sunnah fulfilled collectively: if one person from a group gives the greeting, that suffices for the group in fulfilling the sunnah. And if one person greets a group, and one of them returns the greeting, the obligation is lifted from all of them.

Imam Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Qadi informed us; Abu Tahir Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Mahmash al-Ziyadi informed us; Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Umar ibn Hafs al-Tajir informed us; Ibrahim ibn Abd Allah ibn Umar ibn Bukayr al-Kufi informed us; Waki informed us from al-Amash, from Abu Salih, from Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not direct you to something which, if you do it, will cause you to love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among yourselves.” (4)