Can a muslim say 'bless you' to a non-muslim when he sneezes?

· 3 Safar 1428 AH1 min readFatwa 14904English

Question

Can a muslim say 'bless you' to a non-muslim when he sneezes?

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

No, he cannot utter such a meaningless statement even to a Muslim. In response to a non-Muslim sneezing, he should remain silent. If he wishes, he may say “Hadaakallah” (May Allah guide you”.

And Allah knows best

Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, please ask a Mufti. Report an issue

For corrections or mistakes, please email us at fatawasa786@gmail.com.