Q: Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) instructed us Muslims to give salaams to those whom we know and those whom we don't know (among the Muslims). How will we know the individuals we are giving salaam to are Muslims or not since we don't know them? Do we just assume that they are Muslims by looking at their clothing, their professions (halaal butcher) or any signs that would be hint of their faith or do we just ask them before giving them salaam?
A: A Muslim is recognised through his features and clothing. Once you recognise his Islam then greet him. And if he himself does not want to appear as a Muslim then he is wrong for not expressing the correct identity. Hence, he is deprived of the salaams of the Muslims because of him failing to identify himself correctly.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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