a form of honoring them. Why do we treat them in this way? Because, before anything else, they are the enemies of Allah—and consequently our enemies as well. The Exalted says, “O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending affection to them while they deny the truth that has come to you” (Q 60:1). Thus they are, first and foremost, foes of Allah and, second, foes of us. Their past and present deeds against the Muslims—even up to today—testify to the depth of their hostility. It is therefore impermissible to initiate the greeting of salām with them.

Yet if they greet us first, what should we say? The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed, “If they greet you, reply only, ‘And upon you.’ Do not add anything more.” Why? Because in his time they would offer a malicious greeting, saying al-sām ʿalaykum (death be upon you). Anyone listening might think they had said al-salām ʿalaykum (peace be upon you), when in fact they had wished death upon the Muslims. Observe their enmity even in so small a matter as a greeting. Hence the Prophet ﷺ commanded, “Say only, ‘And upon you.’” If they have actually said al-sām, it rebounds on them; and if they have said al-salām sincerely, that too returns to them. This is justice, for Allah says, “When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with one better than it, or at least return it” (Q 4:86).