Ignoring the greeting of Salam is considered haram in Islam. This is because Salam is a fundamental pillar of Islamic etiquette and a vital way to spread peace and goodwill.
Here's why:
- Salam is a Divine Commandment: The Quran emphasizes the importance of greeting others with Salam: "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or return it [in the same way]. Indeed, Allah is over all things Accounting." (Quran 4:86)
- Salam Promotes Unity and Harmony: Greeting each other with Salam fosters a sense of community and brotherhood. It creates a positive atmosphere and helps to build strong relationships.
- Salam is a Sign of Respect: Ignoring Salam is disrespectful to the person greeting you. It shows a lack of consideration and can be hurtful.
Practical Insights:
- Reciprocate the Greeting: Always return the Salam when you hear it.
- Offer Salam First: Initiate the greeting with Salam to spread positivity and strengthen bonds.
- Be Aware of the Context: While it is generally considered haram to ignore Salam, there might be exceptional circumstances where responding is not appropriate.
Conclusion: Ignoring Salam is a violation of Islamic principles and etiquette. It's crucial to always respond to the greeting with kindness and respect.
