Salaam - The Islamic Greeting

(based on th advice of Sheikh Yusuf Motala DB, Principal of Darul Ulum, Bury)


Offering Salaam Is An Islamic Duty

It has been narrated from Saiyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Commonly in Islam there are six rights of a Muslim upon a Muslim: when he meets him he should give him Salaam; when he invites him (to a meal) he should accept it; when he sneezes he should bless him; when he falls ill he should visit him; when he dies he should accompany his funeral and he should prefer for him that which he prefers for himself."


Replying To Salaam Is Obligatory

Imam Nasai RA narrates from Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"There are rights of a Muslim over a Muslim: Responding to Salaam, visiting the sick, following the bier (A platform upon which the corpse rests), accepting an invitation (to a meal) and blessing a person who sneezes."

This narration has been narrated in Sahih Muslim in the following words:

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"There are six rights upon a Muslim."

The Prophet SAW was asked:

"What are these O, Prophet of Allah?"

The Prophet SAW replied:

"When you meet him, give him Salaam, when he invites you, (to a meal) accept it, when he seeks counselling from you give him counselling and when he sneezes and says Alhamdulillah, bless him, when he falls ill visit him and when he dies accompany his funeral."


Warning Against Not Replying To The Salaam

It has been narrated from Abdur Rahman ibn Shayba RA, whereby he says the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"A rider should give Salaam to a walking person, a walking person should give salaam to a seated person, a small group should give Salaam to a larger group, whoever then responds to Salaam, it is for his benefit, and he who does not respond to Salaam, is not from amongst us."

Ibn Sunni RA has narrated this and also Imam Bukhari RA in his book Al Adabul Mufrad.

For these reasons, Imam Nawawi RA mentions in his commentary of Sahih Muslim:

"To commence Salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib."

Similarly Hafiz ibn Abdul Bar RA says:

"It is an unanimous agreement of the Muslims that to commence Salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib."


The Virtues of Commencing Salaam

It has been narrated by Abu Umamah RA and Ibn Sunni RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Whoever commences Salaam is very close to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (SAW)."

In Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal RA's narration, there is the phrase:

"The closest to Allah, the most glorious and eminent one, from amongst all the people is the one who commences Salaam."

Similarly Imam Tabrani RA narrates from Abu Darda RA, who says that we asked the Holy Prophet SAW:

"O, Prophet of Allah, we meet each other, so who from amongst us should give Salaam first?"

The Holy Prophet SAW replied:

"The one who is the most obedient to Allah from amongst you."


Reward For Giving Salaam

It has been narrated by Saalim RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"He who says Assalaamu'alaikum (Peace be upon you) - ten rewards are written down for him; and he who says Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullah (Peace be upon you and Allah’s Mercy) - for him twenty rewards are written down; and he who says Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh (Peace be upon you and Allah’s Mercy and Blessing) - thirty rewards are written down (for him)."

In support of this Hadith one narration by Abdullah ibn Umar RA is found in Musannaf-Abdul-Razzak. It has been narrated in this Hadith that a person came in the presence of the Holy Prophet SAW and said:

"Assalaamu'alaikum."

The Holy Prophet SAW replied:

"Ten."

Then a second Sahabi came and said:

"Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullah."

The Holy Prophet SAW replied:

"Twenty."

Then a third Sahabi arrived and said:

"Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh."

Upon this the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Thirty. That is to say upon three words thirty rewards will be written down."


What is Salaam ?

Imam Baihaqi RA narrates in discontinuation from Abdullah ibn Abbas RA that (mafhum):

"As-Salaam is amongst Allah's names and also this is the greeting of the Dwellers of Paradise."

Imam Bukhari RA in his Al-Adabul-Mufrad narrates from Anas bin Malik RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"As-Salaam is indeed a name from the names of Allah, which Allah has placed upon the Earth, therefore spread Salaam amongst yourselves in abundance."


The Manner of Giving Salaam

Abu Yala RA narrates from Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"When anyone of you decides to offer Salaam he should say "Assalaamu'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."


Conduct With The Person Who Does Not Say Salaam

It has been narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"He who speaks without firstly giving Salaam, then do not answer him (to what he has to say)."


Spread Salaam

Abdullah ibn Salaam RA says:

"When the Holy Prophet (SAW) arrived in Madinah, the people lost no time in arriving in the presence of the Holy Prophet (SAW). I was amongst the people who had arrived to see him. When I looked with thoughtfulness at the Holy Prophet’s (SAW) radiant face, I realised with certainty that this is no face of a liar."

Abdullah ibn Salaam RA says:

"The very first thing which I heard the Holy Prophet say was:

" 'O People, spread Salaam and feed the people, keep good relations with your kith and kin and at nightfall engage yourself in Solat while others are asleep, for you will enter Paradise safely."

In Mu’atta, Tufail ibn Abi Shayba RA says regarding Ibn Umar RA says:

"One day when I came to Abdullah ibn Umar, he asked me to go to the market (with him).

I asked: "What are you going to do in the market? You do not go to any salesman, or ask about any goods or its price nor do you want to sit in any market gatherings, so stay here with us, we will talk here."

Abdullah ibn Umar then said, "O Abu Battan, (he called him Abu Battan because Tufail ibn Abi Shayba RA had a large stomach) we are going to the market for the cause of giving Salaam." "

Similarly Ibn Sunni RA has narrated about Abu Imam Baa'ali RA that he said to Muhammad ibn Ziyad RA:

"O my nephew, the Holy Prophet (SAW) has commanded us that we spread Salaam."


A Rider Should Give Salaam To A Walking Person

It has been narrated by Fudhala ibn Ubaid RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"A rider should give Salaam to a walking person, a walking person should give Salaam to a standing person and a small group of people should give Salaam to a larger group."

Similarly it has been narrated by Jabir RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"An elder person should give Salaam to a younger one, one person should give Salaam to two, a small group of people should give Salaam to a larger one, a rider should give Salaam to a walking person, a passer-by should give Salaam to a standing person and a person who is standing should give Salaam to a seated person."

Likewise it has been narrated by Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"A rider should give Salaam to a walking person and a walking person should give Salaam to a seated person and when a small group of people pass by a larger group they (the smaller group) should give Salaam."

Similarly it has been narrated by Jabir RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"A rider should give Salaam to a walking person and a walking person should give Salaam to a seated person, but if two walking persons meet each other, then whoever commences Salaam first from the two, is superior."

Similarly it is narrated by Abu Hurairah RA that he heard the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"A younger person should give Salaam to an elder person, a by-passer to a seated person and a small group of people to a larger group."


Giving And Replying To Salaam From One Person Is Sufficient

It has been narrated by Saiyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"The Salaam of a person, from a passing group of people, will be sufficient on behalf of all the group, likewise if one person from those who are seated replies to the Salaam, it will be sufficient on behalf of all the rest."


Giving Salaam To Children

In Sunan Abu Dawud, it has been narrated by Anas ibn Malik RA that:

"The Holy Prophet (SAW) came by us at the time when I was a child together with other children and greeted us all with Salaam. Then the Holy Prophet (SAW) took hold of my hand and sent me on an errand (with a message). The Holy Prophet (SAW) was waiting in the shade of a wall until my return."

Similarly Imam Muslim RA, Imam Ahmad RA, Imam Tirmidhi RA and Imam Darami RA narrate from Yasaar RA that he said:

"I was walking with Thabit Binai when he passed by some children. He conveyed Salaam to them, and began to say that once he was walking with Anas and when he passed by some children he also greeted them with Salaam. Anas then narrated a Hadith, that he was walking with the Holy Prophet (SAW) and when they passed by some children, the Holy Prophet (SAW) greeted them with Salaam."

Similarly Imam Nasa'i RA narrates from Anas bin Malik RA that (mafhum):

"When the Holy Prophet SAW would set out to meet the Ansar, he would greet their children with Salaam, and would place his blessed hands upon the children's heads and make du'a for them."

Similarly Imam Bukhari RA and Ibn Sunni RA narrate that Anas bin Malik RA has related that (mafhum):

"The Holy Prophet SAW suddenly came upon some women, children and some servants who were returning from a wedding. The Holy Prophet gave Salaam to them and said: "In the name of Allah, I love you all". "


The Correct Words Of Salaam

Abu Tameema RA narrates from a Sahabi who reported:

"I said - "Alaikas Salaam (Upon you be peace) O' Messenger of Allah."

The Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Alaikas Salaam are the words of the deceased person's Salaam. When one of you meets his fellow brother, he should say Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullah."


The Manner Of Greeting The Dead In The Grave Yard

Imam Abu Dawud narrated that it has been narrated by Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW came towards the cemetery and said:

"Alaikas Salaam (Upon you be peace), O' people of this abode, from amongst the Believers, verily, if Allah wishes, we are going to join you in a short while."

In another narration it has been narrated by Imam Suyuti in his Jami-us-Sagheer, that when the Holy Prophet SAW passed by the graves, he would say:

"Salaam be upon you, O' people of this abode from the believing men and believing women, Muslim men, Muslim women, pious men, pious women, indeed if Allah wishes, we will join you."


Giving Salaam To The People Of A Gathering

It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"If any one of you enters any gathering, he should give Salaam. He should then remain seated to that extent he has in his mind, and when he decides to return, he should again give Salaam. The reason being that the first Salaam is not more rightful than the second, that is, he gives the first Salaam and not the second." (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Sunni)


Reply To A Third Person's Salaam

Imam Abu Dawud RA, Imam Nasa'i RA and Imam Ibn Sunni RA narrate that a person from the tribe of Banu Tameem narrates from his father who narrates from his paternal grandfather that he arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophet SAW and said:

"My father sends Salaam upon you."

The Holy Prophet SAW replied:

"Wa 'Alaika Wa'alaa Abeekas Salaam (Peace be upon you and your father)."

Similarly it has been narrated by Aishah RA that the Holy Prophet SAW said:

"Jibril (AS) sends Salaam upon you."

Aishah RA replied:

"Wa Alaihis Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh (Peace be upon him and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings). You (O' Prophet) can see things which we cannot."

Similarly Imam Bukhari RA and Imam Muslim RA have related Abu Hurairah's narration, whereby he says, Jibril (AS) the trustworthy arrived in the presence of the Noble Prophet SAW and said:

"This is Khadijah, who is coming, she has with her a utensil in which there is curry (or he said food, or drink). When she arrives give, her Salaam from her Sustainer and myself, and give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise which will be hollow in which there will be no loud noise (din) nor weariness."

Ibn Sunni RA has narrated this narration in more detail:

It is narrated by Amr bin Wahb RA that Khadijah RA set out in search of the Holy Prophet SAW in the upper part of Makkah Mukarramah. Khadijah RA had the Holy Prophet’s SAW food with her. Jibril AS the trustworthy met Khadijah in the form of a man and questioned her regarding the Holy Prophet SAW. Khadijah RA began to tremble and thought that, probably he is from those who are out to harm the Holy Prophet SAW. Khadijah RA mentioned this incident to the Holy Prophet SAW. The Holy Prophet SAW replied that he was Jibril the trustworthy. He has informed me that he has met you and he has also told me that you have food with you and that is Hees (a sweet dish). Jibril AS the trustworthy has said, "Give Salaam to Khadijah from Allah the Most Glorious and Eminent One, and give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise which will be hollow in which they will no loud noise (din) nor weariness". Khadijah RA said, "Allah the exalted is Himself As-Salaam (The Giver of Peace) and peace comes from Him, Salaam be upon Jibril, he is the Messenger of Allah. Salaam be upon you and Salaam be upon all those who are listening but Shaytaan. O' Prophet of Allah, what is the hollow house in Paradise wherein they will be no loud noise (din) nor weariness?" The Holy Prophet SAW replied, "It will be a secure house made out of pearl".


Giving Salaam Even After A Short Separation

It has been narrated by Anas bin Malik RA that (mafhum):

"The companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) would walk together and when a tree would come in their way they would separate towards the left and right. Then on meeting each other, one of them would greet the other with Salaam."


Salaam Upon The Noble Prophet SAW At The Time Of Entering A Masjid

Abu Hurairah RA narrates the saying of the Holy Prophet SAW:

"When anyone amongst you enters a Masjid" or he said, "When anyone amongst you arrives at a Masjid, he should send Salaam upon the Holy Prophet SAW and say, "Allahumma af tahli abwaba rahmatik", (O Allah, open the doors of Your Mercy for me) and when he comes out of the Masjid he should also then send Salaam upon the Holy Prophet SAW and say, "Allahumma a'ithni min ash-shaytaan ir-rajee" (O Allah give me refuge from the accursed Shaytaan).

In the narration of Ibn Majah RA these words have been narrated:

"Bismillahi was-salaamu ala rasullullahi" (I begin in the name of Allah, Salaam be upon Allah's Messenger)."


The Virtue Of Giving Salaam In One's Own Home And Then Setting Out

It has been narrated by Abu Umamah Al-Ba'ali RA from the Holy Prophet SAW that he said:

"There is no one like he who performs wudhu thoroughly and then washes both his hands, feet and face, then gargles his mouth and performs his wudhu in the manner in which Allah has commanded him - but sins which he has committed by talking or walking towards are wiped away, such that sins committed by his limbs are forgiven. When he walks towards the Masjid he gets one reward for every step he takes. His Solat remains an extra bonus for him, that is when he enters upon his family, greets them with Salaam and lies down upon his bed, for him is the reward of a full night's worship."

Likewise it has been narrated also by Abu Umamah Al-Ba'ali RA that the Holy Prophet SAW has said:

"They are three people under the care of Allah the most glorious and eminent one; one who goes out in the path of Allah as a Muslim soldier is in the care of Allah until Allah takes his soul away. He will be entered into Paradise or Allah will return him with reward and booty which he has gained. The second person who is also in the care of Allah until Allah takes his soul away, is he who walks towards the Masjid. Allah will enter him into Paradise or make him return, giving him reward and booty which he has gained. The third person who is in the care of Allah is he who enters his own home and gives Salaam."

Both of the above narrations have been mentioned by Ibn Sunni RA.

Also, Imam Bukhari RA in his book Al-Adabul Mufrad has mentioned one narration reported from Rasulullah SAW:

"There are three types of people who are all in all in the care of Allah. If they stay alive they will find a life of sufficiency and if they pass away they will enter Paradise. One is he who enters his own home by giving Salaam, is in the care of Allah the most glorious and eminent one. The second person who is in the care of Allah the most glorious and eminent one is he who goes out towards the Masaajid. The third person who is in the care of Allah, is he who goes out in the path of Allah."

Also Ibn Sunni RA relates a narration of Abu Hurairah RA that he said:

"It is the saying of the Holy Prophet (SAW) that definitely there is an illumination and light for Islam, like a pathway which is well lit. That a Muslim should worship Allah and must not associate anything with him. He must carry out Fardh Solat, give Zakat, perform Hajj of Baitullah, keep the fast of the auspicious month of Ramadhaan and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency. To give Salaam to your household when you enter upon them, and to give Salaam upon those Muslims you pass by. If they reply to your Salaam then the angels will return Salaam upon them and if they do not answer to your Salaam, the angels will reply to your Salaam, and curse them or they will stay quiet with them. Whoever has let go of one of the above mentioned then he has let go of a part of Islam and whoever throws them all away has thrown Islam behind his back."

Likewise a narration of Sahih Muslim is narrated from Miqdad ibn Aswad RA, whereby he says (mafhum):

"We three companions arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Then the Holy Prophet (SAW) took us to his household (family), there were three goats there. He (The Holy Prophet SAW) told the three of us to take the milk and distribute it amongst ourselves whenever we needed it. Miqdad says, "We obeyed the command and would leave a portion for the Holy Prophet (SAW)."

Miqdad RA says (mafhum):

"The Holy Prophet (SAW) would come at night and would give Salaam in such a manner that it would not wake a sleeping person but would be heard by a person who was awake. Then he would go to the Masjid to pray his Solat and then would drink his own portion. "