How to reply to a disbeliever if he says Salam to you

إذَا سَلَّمَ عَلَيكُم أَهلُ الكِتَابِ فَقُولُوا: وَعَلَيكُم

Approximate Arabic reading aid

Idhā sallama 'alaykum ahlu alkitābi faqūlū: wa'alaykum

English meaning

When the people of the Book greet you, reply by saying: (And upon you.)

Explanation (Tafseer)

This is a concise reply for a greeting received from the People of the Book: “And upon you.” It returns the greeting in measured, matching words. The phrase responds directly without adding wording beyond what the entry prescribes for this exchange.

When to use

How to reply to a disbeliever if he says Salam to you

Reference & source

Hisn al-Muslim 227

Open source