Written by: Abdulganiyu Roodiyah Motunrayo

Introduction

A greeting is a friendly expression or gesture used to welcome or acknowledge someone. It is a way to show respect, kindness,  or friendliness when meeting or interacting with others. “Hi”, “Hello”, “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” and “Good evening” are greetings that fit with different individuals and times.

However, in Islam, there is a greeting more than just saying “Hi” or “Hello”; it is rewarding, peaceful, and carries much respect. It is to utter the Arabic statement: “As-Salaamu alaykum”.

“As-Salaamu Alaykum” is a phrase that’s so simple, yet, profound. It literally means “Peace be upon you”. But in Islam, this greeting is far more than a polite hello. It is a heartfelt du’a, a connection and a beautiful reminder of our shared faith.

A Small Phrase With Big Impact

When you walk into a room and greet the occupants with “As-salaamu Alaykum”, you are not just acknowledging them, you are offering them peace, safety and blessings. This simple phrase transforms ordinary moments into acts of worship, building bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Allah explicitly instructs us in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe, do not enter any houses, other than your own houses unless you seek permission and greet their inmates with Salām. That is good for you, so that you may be heedful.”— (Qur’an chapter 24, verse 27).

In another verse, Allah says:

“When those who believe in our verses come to you, say to them, ‘As Salaamu alaykum’ (Peace be upon you)” — Qur’an Chapter 6, verse 54.

In the above verse, Allah commands His Prophet (peace be upon him) first, and then his followers after him to utter the greeting to Muslims only. As such, the greeting is a worship, a prayer, a gift, and not just a phrase.

Levels and Rewards

When someone says to us: “Assalamu alaykum”, the proper reply would be:

• “Wa alaykumus-Salaam” – and peace be upon you too

However, one can can decide to take it further by responding for more reward. This is evident in the hadith narrated by Sahl ibn Hunayf:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever greets with peace (As Salaamu alaykum), ten good deeds are recorded for him. Whoever greets with peace and the mercy of Allah (As Salaamu alaykum warahmatullah), twenty good deeds are recorded for him. Whoever greets with peace, the mercy of Allah, and his blessings (As Salaamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu), thirty good deeds are recorded for him.”— Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2689.

Going by the above hadith, it means one can add “wa rahmatullah (and the mercy of Allah)” as a response when greeted with “Assalamu alaykum” or “Wabarakatuhu” when greeted with “Assalamu alaykum warahmatullah” for extra blessings – meaning “And upon you is the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah”.

This exchange isn’t just about manners, it is about spreading goodness. Allah informs us in the Qur’an:

“When you are greeted with a salutation, greet with one better than it, or return the same. Surely, Allah is the One who takes account of everything.”— ( Qur’an Chapter 4, verse 86).

So, next time a fellow Muslim says “Hi” to you, reply with “As Salaamu alaykum”. And if they initiate the beautiful greeting, do well to reply to them in the best manner. This is what Islam teaches.

Why it is a right in Islam

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of greeting others:

“A Muslim has six rights over another Muslim: to greet him with peace when he is met, to answer his invitation when invited, to advise him when he seeks counsel, to bless him when he sneezes and praises Allah, to visit him when he is sick, and to follow his funeral when he dies” —(Sahih Muslim, 2162).

Greeting others with peace is not optional, it is a right every Muslim has over another. Delaying or ignoring it means withholding something spiritually valuable.

Proof from the Quran & Sunnah

The Qur’an tells us:

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet with one better than it or return it ( In a like manner). Surely Allah is ever an Accountant over all things.”(Quran Chapter 4, verse 86).

This ayah teaches us to either match the greeting or return it in an even better form. Never lower the standard, raise it or meet it.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions practised this daily, greeting everyone, even children and strangers, making “As-Salaamu Alaykum” a norm, not an exception.

Abdullah bn Umar (رضي الله عنه) used to say:

 “We would go to the marketplace not for trade, but only to give salaam and spread peace”— mentioned by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bāri (vol. 11 p. 8), under the book of seeking permission (Kitab al-Isti’dhān).

When & Where to Say “As-Salaamu Alaykum”

“As-Salaamu Alaykum” is not reserved for formal gatherings or only religious events. It’s for daily life, everyday:

• When entering or leaving a room or home
• ⁠When meeting someone — family, friends, neighbour, or stranger.
• ⁠When passing by someone in public
• ⁠When starting a conversation, even online.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“The one who is riding should greet the one walking, the one who is walking should greet the one sitting, and the small group of people should greet the large one.”  (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 6232).

Saying “As-Salamu Alaykum” in the Digital Age

Online spaces should never cancel our Islamic manners. In fact, they may need them even more. As such:

• Begin your texts and emails with “As-Salaamu Alaykum”
• It adds barakah, sets the tone of respect, and reminds both you and the reader that Allah sees all we do, even our chats.
• A message that starts with “As-Salaamu Alaykum” feels warm, intentional and spiritually mindful.

How to Spread the Habit

Make “As-Salaamu Alaykum” part of your household and community culture:

• Greet your children when they come home
• ⁠Encourage them to say As-Salaamu Alaykum to elders, teachers, and friends
• ⁠Reward and praise them when they initiate greetings
• ⁠Use visual reminders. Frame the greeting in your home, add it to classroom boards or phone wallpaper.

Final Thoughts

We often look for big deeds. But sometimes, consistent small acts carry the greatest rewards. Let your greeting be more than just words, let it be sincere, heartfelt, and consistent.

Each time you say “As-Salaamu Alaykum”, you’re planting peace, love and connection. So tomorrow, before you speak, type, or wave, start with “As-Salamu Alaykum.”

May Allah make us among those who spread tasleem with sincerity, earn its rewards, and embody the peace it carries. Aameen.