Q 8: If a Muslim enters the Masjid (mosque) and offers Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque), and then finds, near his right or left side,
a man reciting the Qur'an; should he greet him or not?
He fears disturbing the reciter by greeting him and thus committing a sin. Yet, if he does not greet him, the latter may harbor ill feelings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, as related in the Hadith:
Spread Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) among you.
The reciter may not know that the person has not greeted him out of fear of disturbing him. So, which is better; to greet the reciter at once or wait until the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) is announced? May Allah reward you with the best of this world and the Hereafter, and may He extend your life, Amen.
A:
The Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) is to greet the reciter with Salam at once, according to what is stated in authentic Hadiths establishing the lawfulness of paying Salam and shaking hands with Muslims upon meeting them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.