Greeting by Dr. Emdad Khan
As-salaamu Alykum, meaning “Peace be upon you.” Is the greeting used by all Muslims. The reply to the greeting is Wa Alykum As-salaam, which means “And upon you be peace.”
As-Salaam is one of the beautiful names of Allah. In the Quran, in 26.61, He commands believers, “But if you enter houses, salute each other—a greeting of blessing and purity from Allah. –.” Again in 6.54, He states, “When those come to you who believe in Our signs, say: ‘Peace be upon you…” (6:54)
Finally, in paradise, in 39.73, “And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups. When they reach it, the gates will be opened and the keepers (angels) will say, ‘Salaamu Alykum, you have done well, so enter here to abide therein.’”
The Prophet (pbuh) used to greet people by saying As-salaamu Alykum and encouraged the companions. The greeting helps bond Muslims together as one family and establish strong community relationships.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you about something which, if you do it, will make you love one another? Greet each other with salaam.”.
Let us revive saying As-salaamu Alykum to each other, we know or not know them
Greeting with salaam is sunnah/recommended but the rely is obligatory. The one who says first salaam get more Hashanah. It is one of the rights of one Muslim to another.
So, let us be the first one to greet with salaam and let us have a practice of giving daily at least salam to 10 believers.