A: It is not permissible to greet with a wave of the hand. The act of Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) is to extend and return the Salam (Islamic greeting of peace) in words. Greeting with a wave of the hand is not permissible, because it is an imitation of some Kafirs (disbelievers) who do this, and because it is contrary to what is prescribed by Allah. However, if a person waves to one whom he is greeting to indicate that he is saying Salam, because he is far away, whilst also uttering the words of the Salam [As­salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)], there is nothing wrong with that, because there is evidence to that effect. Similarly, if the person who is greeted is busy offering Salah (Prayer), he may respond with a gesture, as was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him).