Question: Is it compulsory to return salaams if one is engaged in making wudu? Also, if one is in the masjid engaged in Zikr, should that person stop and return salaams? I have heard that salaams is also given in Jannah and there are other things which we have in this world that are also in Jannah. Is this true?

Answer: No, it is not compulsory to return salaams while one is engaged in performing wazu. In a similar manner, it would not be compulsory for one who is engaged in the dhikr of Allah to return salaams. In fact, the scholars have mentioned that it is makrooh (disliked) for one to give salaams to the following : to one who is engaged in the dhikr of Allah, to one who is teaching Islam, to the Khateeb, to the one preaching Islam, to one who is giving the Azan or Iqamah, to one who is discussing Ilm, to one who is relieving himself. It is also makrooh to return salaams in the afore mentioned places. (Al Fiqhul Islami Wa Adilatihi Vol.4 pg. 2685).

Yes, salaams would be given in Jannah also. In fact, it is a greeting which came from Jannah with Adam (a.s). With respect to the things that are in Jannah, there would be many that resemble that which a person knew of in this world. The Quran speaks about the different types of fruits like that of grapes and pomegranates which will be in Jannah. Mention is also made in the ahadith about gold and silver and the sweet scent of musk. There would be horses and large trees with gardens and rivers flowing freely. There would also be market places and large assemblies. In short, there would be many things which would seem like those which a believer knew about on the earth, however, there would be a big difference in everything.


And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan