Spreading Salaam

Allah (SWT) in the Quran:

“But when you enter houses, give greeting of peace upon each other – a greeting from Allah – Blessed and Good. Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses (so) that you may understand.” (24:61) [Only relevant portion of ayah has been recorded]

Definition of Salaam:

The word Salaam is commonly used to refer to the Islamic salutation used when greeting fellow Muslims.

‘Asalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakaatuh’ – May the peace, blessings and mercy of Allah be upon you.

The beauty in greeting with these words is that reward is gained for every word said. It has been mentioned in a Hadith narrated by Imran Ibn Hussayn (RA):

"A man came to the Prophet (SAW) and said, 'Assalaamu Alaykum!'

The Prophet (SAW) returned his greeting and when the man sat down, the Prophet (SAW) said: 'Ten.'

Another man came and said: 'Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah.' to which the Prophet (SAW) also responded, and when the man sat down.

He said 'Twenty.'

Another man came and said: 'Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.' The Prophet (SAW) returned his greeting, and after the man sat down, he said: 'Thirty." (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)

The Hadith has been interpreted to mean that the minimum form of the Islamic greeting which is acceptable is "Asalaamu Aalaykum" and one is rewarded ten good deeds for saying it.

The second grade, adding "wa Rahmatullah", raises the reward to twenty good deeds.

The best grade of salaam is "Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatahu", and this is worth thirty good deeds.

The response to the greeting is similar in form and rewards. The least one could say is "Wa alaykum-us-salaam" and the best response is: "Wa alaykum-us-salaam wa rahmatulahi wa Barakatahu".

Qadhi Ayaadh (RH) in his work al Kamil has mentioned:

“Salaam is the first level of righteousness, the first quality of brotherhood and the key to creating love”.

The importance of Salaam

Salaam is the best greeting which can be offered because it is deep in meaning;

-         As-Salaam is from the names of Almighty Allah. Thus, when we say ‘Asalaamu Alaykum’, we are actually saying may this trait of peace and tranquillity be upon you.

-         Saying Salaam is a guarantee of protection, the recipient of our Salaam is being assured that no harm will come to them from us – either physically or spiritually.

Abu Musa al Ashari’ (RA) has reported:

“I asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “Who is the most excellent among the Muslims?”

He (SAW) replied: “One from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are secure”.

-         Saying Salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib.

-         The Prophet (SAW) has said: “The one who initiates Salaam is free of pride”. (Bayhaqi)

-         The Prophet (SAW) said: “If two Muslims meet, shake hands, praise Allah, and ask him for forgiveness, they will be forgiven.’ [Abu Dawood]

-         The Prophet (SAW) 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)