BENEFIT: Is a Written Response Obligatory When Salaam Is Sent in Writing?

Sheikh Salmān Al-’Imād ḥafidhahullāh says: "Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allāh be upon you as well. May Allah protect and preserve you, dear brother. This issue is frequently raised and often misunderstood. Many people send salaam in written form through various means of communication—such as WhatsApp messages, text messages, and other platforms—followed by a question, inquiry, or concern. This may be addressed to a student of knowledge, a daa'ee, a scholar, someone of lesser status, or even a friend. If the greeting is not explicitly returned in writing, the sender may take offense, express disappointment, or even rebuke the recipient using harsh words. Some may even cite the Āyah: "When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with one better than it or return it in like manner." [Sūrah An-Nisā': 86] This matter has been discussed in the books of Fiqh, by both classical and contemporary scholars. The core question is: if someone sends you salaam via a messenger or in writing, are you religiously obligated to respond in writing as well, or is it sufficient to respond verbally even if you do not reply in writing? The conclusion is that if someone sends you salaam in writing or through a messenger, the basic principle is to return the greeting in the same manner—i.e., in writing or via the messenger. However, if one responds verbally—for instance, upon reading a message that says, "As-salamu ʿalaykum wa rahmatullah", the recipient verbally replies, "Wa ʿalaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh", and then becomes occupied or chooses not to respond in writing—then the religious obligation to return the greeting has been fulfilled. This view was mentioned by the esteemed scholar Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymeen (may Allāh have mercy on him) in his Liqā' Al-Bāb Al-Maftūh sessions. This is a summary of the issue. Therefore, a Muslim should not harbour ill feelings toward his fellow Muslim in such matters. People may be preoccupied for one reason or another. Sometimes a person reads the message, responds with the greeting verbally, especially if the sender is someone they hold dear or respect, but due to distractions or other concerns, they may forget to reply in writing. Allāh is the One whose help is sought. This is what I found necessary to clarify on this matter. All praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the Worlds. May Allāh bless you. Source: https://t.me/salmansalehalemad/4709