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Greetings in Islamic culture have profound, meaningful effects. Unlike the greetings in different cultures, the Islamic form of generating a ‘hi’ is more than a simple salutation. The Arabic salutation “As-Salamu Alaikum” (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ) is holy, holy indeed – it is a word of peace, blessing and kindness.
In this article, we will come to understand the meaning and religious interpretation of this soft and charming salutation, why Muslims use the particular practice, and how the ritual turns into violence that shapes their daily activities.
Explaining the Meaning of ‘As-Salamu Alaikum’
“As-Salamu Alaikum” literally translates, “In English, peace be upon you.” Greetings are a form of invoking blessings upon the well-being of the intentions as you say Assalamualaikum to the person is to pray for their safety and well-being by invoking the almighty Allah (SWT). The word itself comes from Arabic, and its root translates into “peace” – a sincere wish for the other person for harmony in every aspect of their lives.
Less as a general greeting, like saying ‘hello’, As-Salamu Alaikum embodies the familiar affection of an Islamic fraternity or sorority. It signifies a genuine sponsorship of their soul through purely wishing the other person Allah’s peace.
The Reply: “Wa Alaikum Assalam”
In Arabic, “As-Salamu Alaikum” translates as “peace be upon you”, and the appropriate response is “Wa Alaikum Assalam” (وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَام), which is translated as “And peace be upon you too.” It builds goodwill with the other person and is a positive way to begin or end any conversation on a positive note.
The Role of “As-Salamu Alaikum” In Islam
As-Salamu Alaikum is a form of greeting that is highly encouraged and has been reported in the Quran and hadeeth. This was a sign typical of the Prophet Muhammad as he commanded Muslims to talk to each other to make the ummah at ease and as a sign of power.
Quranic Reference
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions the importance of greetings:
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا
Translation:
As you are not greeted with a greeting, return a greeting better than the greeting or equal to the greeting which you received. Yes, He is ever an Accountant of all things.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:86)
The following verse assists the Muslim in responding and even retaliating with a far better greeting. Suppose an Islamic person welcomes the other using As-Salamu Alaikum. In that case, the other person must respond As-Salamu Alaikum and Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Baraka toh.
Hadith on As-Salamu Alaikum
The Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states that people should offer greetings of peace. In a famous hadith, he said:
عَن أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَا تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ.
Translation:
Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
It is said that you shall not be allowed into paradise without faith and the faith comes with love; you shall not love without accepting other people. Would you like me to share something that would make you love each other? Spread peace (saying As-Salamu Alaikum) among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim 54)
This hadith shows that it is a practice to spread the greeting to create love or tie up relationships in Muslim society.
Top Errors People Make When Saying As-Salamu Alaikum
The greeting “As-Salamu Alaikum” is easy but sweet, but there are some pitfalls that many people face. The human errors may stem from inadequate knowledge or experience with the whole message.
1. Shortening the Greeting
Depending on areas or non-official settings, it has become okay for people to say only “Salaam” or “Salam Alaikum” instead of saying the whole phrase “As-Salamu Alaikum“. Although this is well-intentioned, shortening the word cuts out many meanings and blessings for the entire word. They are saying the same complete message of peace; the form of the proper and complete phrase is the same.
2. Incorrect Pronunciation
Another general mistake is pronouncing words in the foreign language that the student is studying. For instance, instead of saying ‘As-Salamu Ala’kum’, some people will go ahead and use ‘Salam Waleikum’. That is true because it helps preserve the intended essential message of the greeting. It is honourable to spare a few moments to pronounce the phrase correctly as a sign of respect for the greeting’s spiritual purpose.
3. Not Responding Properly
In Islam, when someone extends the hand of fellowship and s”ys “As-Salamu Ala”kum”, the correct response is “Wa Alaikum Assalam” or even better “Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh.” In not answering the greeting with the appropriate response, one loses out on the sunnah and disrupts the harmony of the greeting.
4. Skipping the Greeting Altogether
Some always forget or carelessly do not say “As-Salamu Alaikum” to a person. As part of social etiquette and interpersonal communication, Islam pays much attention to how people start their conversations. When such a greeting becomes a routine, you create a bond or brotherhood and sisterhood amongst them.
When to Say As-Salamu Alaikum
In Islam, As-Salamu Alaikum can be used in various situations:
- When meeting someone: As for the person you come across – it can be your friend, a family member, or a stranger; by greeting them with As-Salamu Alaikum, you are wishing them well, or in other words, wishing them peace.
- When leaving a gathering: Notably, it is also a Muslim way of doing things to use As-Salamu Alaikum when leaving a meeting or session.
- Entering a home: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to greet the people in the house with As-Salamu Alaikum even if no one is at home because it inscribes blessings into the house.
- Passing by people: It is also recommended that you greet people no matter whether you know them or, in fact, you just saw them by chance.
Positive effects of Saying As-Salamu Alaikum
- Spreading Peace: If you decide to greet people with the words’ ds ‘and’ peace be with you, ‘ you are already creating positive energy in your interactions with others.
- .Gaining Rewards: It is clear then that you accrue merit from Allah (SWT) every time you say As-Salamu Alaikum. It is such a small thing that makes much sense regarding worship.
- Strengthening Relationships: The greeting builds up love, honour, and brotherhood between Muslims.
- Following the Sunnah: Muslims follow this greeting from the tradition given by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). By so doing, it is not only you who are following his teachings but also preserving a tradition that helps enhance the membership among the Muslims.
- Invoking Allah’s Peace: The greeting wishes two types of blessing – protection and mercy- for both the speaker and the receiver of the greeting.