Making Salaam to a non-Muslim

Q: I could not hear a person clearly on the phone and replied "Wa alaikumus salaam" to the "Hello"/"Good Afternoon" of a non-Muslim. I thought the person may have said "Assalamu Alaikum", but this is not possible. Am I sinful for this? Should I make Taubah and Istighfaar?

A: You will not be sinful.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)