Saying to a non Muslim: ‘May Allah guide you’

Question

I heard this narration. Is it a Hadith?

“There is nothing wrong if one says to a Jew or a Christian: May Allah guide you.”

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as the statement of the Tabi’i; Ibrahim an Nakha’i (rahimahullah).

Ibrahim an Nakha’i (rahimahullah) said: “There is no problem if a person says to a Jew or Christian,’ May Allah guide you.'”

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 26341 and 30452)

Note: Kindly refer to a Mufti Darul Ifta for a fatwa on this issue.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar