The Quran and Hadith serves as a handbook that teaches Muslims good values and ethics we should follow and live by. It gives a complete blueprint to living a virtuous and fulfilling life. We will explore in this short article the importance of greeting one another positively.
The Quran teaches us that the first interaction we have with another person is very important. We only get to make a first impression once, which is why the Quran in Surah An Nisa says:
The importance placed on replying in a like manner or with something greater. What this means is when someone says to you:
Assalamualaikum or Salaam
Reply: Wa alaykumu as-salam
If they instead say, Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi
Reply: Wa alaykumu as-salam Warahmatullah
If they greet with Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Reply: Wa alaykumu as-salam Warahmatullah Wabarakaatu
In Surah Noor ayat 61, it says “There is no blame upon you whether you eat together or separately. But when you enter houses, give greetings of peace upon each other – a greeting from Allah, blessed and good. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses [of ordinance] that you may understand.”
walaikum assalam meaning:
The meaning of waalaikumsalam is “And unto you peace”. The slightly longer version, Wa alaykumus salam wa rahmatullah can be translated as “May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you too”. Lastly, Wa alaykumu s-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh would be “May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you too”.
It’s always recommended to respond with the longer version, since you now know the meaning of the ask yourself why wouldn’t you?
Here’s a reminder, the tone in which you say these words can make a huge difference. How boring would it be to just pay lip service and mumble these words in a dull voice. As an experiment, try being enthusiastic and joyous and see how others will respond. Look at their faces, they’ll be shocked or taken aback. You’ll naturally become happier and more sociable and watch how they’ll feed off you and become energized themselves.
Wa alaikum assalam pronunciation
Here’s short YouTube video showing the correct way to pronounce.
Wa alaikum As-salam in Arabic
Wa ‘alaykum al-salaam:
وعليكم السلام
Wa alaykumu s-salam wa rahmatullah:
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله
Wa alaykumu s-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh:
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته