Reference: ad-Durar an-Naadhirah fil-Fataaawa al-Mu’aasirah – Pages 642
al-Fowzaan – ad-Da’wah 1502, Rabee’ Awwal 1416AH
Question: If the presenter on television or radio extends the greeting (of as-salaam ‘alaykum) or [likewise] the writer in a magazine, then is it obligatory upon us to respond [by saying wa ‘alaykum as-salaam] in this case?
Response: It is obligatory to respond [by saying wa ‘alaykum as-salaam] to the greeting [of as-salaam ‘alaykum] if a person hears it directly or by way of written text directed to him, or by way of a means of transmission directed to the listeners based upon the generality of the evidences regarding the obligation of extending the greeting (of as-salaam ‘alaykum); Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:
{When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally}, soorah an-Nisaa, aayah 86
