Salam and Its Importance in Islam
- Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow
- Sep 3, 2020
- 3 min read
By Maha Mustensir, Co-Director of Social Media
In Islam, the word Salam (سلام) is of utmost importance. It is an Arabic word that literally means “peace.” It stands for harmlessness, welfare, and protection from the evils and faults. The word Salam is used as a general greeting by Muslims in many Arabic and other Islamic countries. However, this word and its importance are way more than just being a moral act of showing respect and courtesy.
Salam is also the name of Allah (SWT) meaning “May the blessing of his name descend upon you.” Thus when a Muslim greets another with Salam it is as if he/she is saying, “I am offering you safety and security and have no intention to harm you anywhere.” Offering Salam and replying to it is the duty of a Muslim. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When anyone of you decides to offer salam he should say ‘Assalamu Alaikum’, because Allah, the Most Glorious and Eminent one is As-salaam, for this reason, do not commence with anything before saying Allah’s name.”
The recommended greeting of a Muslim to other Muslims is to say “As-Salamu-Alaikum” (Peace be upon you). The second part of the Salam is to add “Wa-Rahmatullah”. The best form of Salam, however, is to say in full: “As-Salamu-Alaikum-Wa-Rahmatullahi-Wa-Barakatuh”. Although the first and rather shortened version is acceptable, we should always strive to do the best we can and say it the third way, even if it is the longest way. We can do this by slowly trying to implement it when you meet someone, and eventually, you will be able to say it with no problem!
When someone sends peace and blessings on you through Salam, it is then your duty to reply with something of equal or a greater meaning. Offering Salam first is considered sunnah or optional; while returning Salam is considered wajib or mandatory. Allah (SWT) says, “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or at least return it equally” (Surah An-Nisa: Ayat 86).
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A Muslim has five rights over his fellow Muslim brothers: (1) He should return his Salam if offered (2) visit him when he is sick (3) attend his Salatul-Janazah (funeral prayer) (4) accept his invitation (5) and pray for mercy for him (say ‘yarhamukAllah’) when he sneezes” (Al-Bukhari).
Salam plays a crucial role in developing social harmony. It spreads love and brotherhood amongst Muslims. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “You will not enter paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salam amongst yourselves” (Muslim-54 and Tirmidhi-2513).
There are many benefits of saying Salam. It is not only a source of extensive rewards but is also a part of a Muslim’s Iman (faith). Saying Salam is a way to get rid of sins. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When two Muslims meet (give salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other).” Saying Salam is a way for us to not only establish healthy relationships with the ones around us but to get closer to Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If two walking persons meet each other, then whoever commences salaam first from the two, is superior”.
Salam, if thought about, is just the portrayal of basic etiquette. It encourages us to be modest, polite, and refrain from arrogance. The greeting of Salam and the rules associated with it contain values that promote peace and its importance is something that all Muslims should be mindful of. May Allah (SWT) help us to always wish well for others and to practice saying Salam to each other. May Allah (SWT) give us all the guidance and patience to say the longest method of Salam and to always be the first ones to initiate salaam.
Sources
GREETINGS by Dr. Fiaz M Fazili. “Importance of Salaam.” Greater Kashmir, 13 Mar. 2015,
Posts, Related. “Importance of Saying Salaam: Benefits of ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum.’” Islamic Articles, 3
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