The Greeting of Islam​

Assalaamu ‘Alaikum. May peace be upon you.

How could a sentence so basic affect our actions so profoundly? Let us genuinely understand what a heartfelt “Salam” from a fellow Muslim means.

What AssalaamuAlaikum means One of our Creator’s most favoured names is As-Salaam. It can refer to the source of blessings or tranquilly, depending on the translation. When we say “Assalaamu ‘Alaikum” to someone, we are essentially wishing them blessings and peace.

Benefits of giving the Salaam

1. It might be particularly significant for those who are not overtly Muslim to give appropriate Salaams in public since they acknowledge oneself as a Muslim. When you receive a surprise greeting from someone you wouldn’t anticipate, it is always a wonderful surprise. Whether you live in a nation where Muslims are the majority or a minority, this may foster a feeling of commodore and a stronger sense of community.
2. One of the simplest ways to gain hasanaat is to say Assalaamu ‘Alaikum. The blessings we receive merely by uttering “Salam” are incalculable. By allowing our fellow Muslims to respond to our Salaams, we are not only performing a nice deed but also providing them with an opportunity to get hasanaat.
3. It’s true that spreading the salam may instill a sense of calm, security, and wellbeing in those around you. It suggests that you have no malicious intentions towards the person or people you are saying it to, and you guarantee the recipient that you won’t do them any damage at all when you say it. It is a guarantee of safety, which is significant in a lot of communities.

Etiquette of Giving Salaams

1. It is something every Muslim should do to one another “The rights of a Muslim on another Muslim are six, one of them if you meet a Muslim say Assalaamu ‘Alaikum.” [Sahih Muslim]
2. When you get a greeting, you should return the favour by either greeting with something greater or, at the very least, responding equally. For example, you may add wa Rahmatu or wa Barakatahu. Undoubtedly, Allah always keeps a careful record of everything. [Quran 4:86]
3. Salaam should be said by the younger to the senior, but if two persons are almost the same age, the younger receives more benefits for saying it first. “The best among two people of the same age should greet each other with salaam first.” [Sahih al Bukhari]
4. The first person to greet someone in a crowd, space, or gathering of people should be the one to say “Salam.”

“Three men came to the messenger of Allah (saw), the messenger (saw) said to them ‘AsSalaamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,’ and said ‘the one who enters should give salaam.’”[Kitaab ul Athkar, Imam Nawwawi]