Salaam with the indication of a finger or hand

The following Hadith is recorded in Tirmidhi Sharif:

Hadrat Amr Bin Shuaib narrates from his father who narrates from his grandfather that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Whoever imitates others besides us is not from us. Do not resemble or imitate the Jews and the Christians, for verily the greeting of the Jews is indicating with the fingers and the greeting of the Christians is indicating with the palms (hands).

There is some weakness in the chain of narrators, but Mulla Ali Qari Rahimahullah states that it may be quoted. Imaam Suyuti has also recorded this narration from Abdullah Bin Amr Radiallahu Anhu. Hence, the narration is reliable when narrated by other Sahaaba as well.

It is also recorded in Ahsanul Fataawa that if it is difficult for the voice to reach a person when making Salaam, then it will be permissible to make Salaam with indication and the response to such a Salaam will also be Waajib. If the voice reaches, then it will not be sufficient to make Salaam by indication rather to utter the words of Salaam will be Waajib.

In conclusion, as far as possible one should verbally make Salaam without any indications with the hand. If the person is at a distance, then Salaam with the hand will be permitted. Indicating with the hand or finger only is the way of the disbelievers as mentioned in the post.