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Wa alaykumu s-salam
Wa ʿalaykumu s-salam (وَعَلَيْكُم ٱلسَّلَامُ, pronounced [wa.ʕa.laj.ku.mu‿s.sa.laːm] ⓘ) is an Arabic greeting often used by Muslims around the world translating to "and upon you be peace". It is a blessing given to another. It is the standard response to the as-salamu alaykum (ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ) greeting.[1][2] The greetings are intentional communications to acknowledge someone's presence or to make someone feel welcomed. They are used prior to a conversation and are said to be good manners. The greeting is considered an important Islamic duty and obligation. Salam is a standard salutation among Muslims, and is regularly exchanged during religious lectures and sermons.[1] MeaningSalam literally means "peace" and, in a wider sense, it means harmlessness, safety and protection from evil and from faults. As-Salām is also one of the names of God in Islam.[3] Islamic rules related to the use of salam
The greeting should be used both when arriving and when leaving. It was reported by Abu Hurayrah:
According to hadith, Muhammad was asked who should "begin" the salam[citation needed] greeting and he said:
It is also stated that one should give the Salam greeting upon entering a house. This is based upon the verse of the Qur'an:
Religious scholars differ as to whether Muslims may initiate the saying of salaam to members of other faiths.[6] The Qur'an says: "When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally" (al-Nisa’ 4:86).[7] Non-MuslimsThe use of the greeting differs when interacting with non-Muslims such as people of the book (ahlul kitab). Some scholars are divided on the issue. Most believe that when greeted by non-Muslims, Muslims can only respond by stating "wa ʿalaykum" ("and upon you") instead of the longer version, while others suggest replying with a salam. However, it seems that the majority opinion is reinforced by ahadith:
It is also impermissible for Muslims to initiate greetings with non-Muslims before they are greeted by them:
UsageIn other languages
See alsoReferences
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