Q 2: I am living in a house where a man resides with me. He shaves his beard from time to time, lies, and blasphemes. To sum up, he is suffering some signs of hypocrisy, may Allah protect us! It happened that he blasphemed by insulting religion seven or eight times in ten minutes. Is it permissible to greet him with the salutation of Islam while I hate him? Should I greet him back when he greets me? Please, tell the legal decision?

A: According to the legal texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and the consensus of opinions, blasphemy - Allah forbid - is an act of open disbelief. Allah says: "Was it at Allâh (عز وجل), and His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you were mocking?" Make no excuse; you disbelieved after you had believed. There are other similar declarations in this regard. That person should be advised and rebuked; if he responds positively and accepts the advice, praise be to Allah. But if not, it is not permissible to greet blasphemers or respond to their greeting or invitation. They should be deserted fully until they repent; otherwise, they shall be sentenced to death as judged by Allah. The Prophet says: If a Muslim discards his religion, kill him. Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih (book of sound Hadiths) (Part No. 2; Page No. 13) on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both). It is admittedly true that a Muslim who insulting Islam and discards the religion, is apostate.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad his family, and Companions!