Q 3: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Spread Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) (Part No. 24; Page No. 139) among those whom you know and those whom you do not." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) He (peace be upon him) also said: "Do not initiate greetings with the Jews and the Christians; and if you meet any of them on a road, force them to its narrowest (alley)." (Related by Muslim) In yet another Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If the People of the Book greet you, you should say, "The same to you." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) How can we reconcile these Hadith? Do the Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) fall under this category? The People of the Book are now intermixing with Muslims everywhere. Some so-called Muslims unfortunately copy the People of the Book and the Mushriks in the way they dress, walk, and talk. We take refuge with Allah (Exalted be He) from this. How authentic are the Hadith mentioned above? May Allah benefit us and you!