Understanding Salam:
"Salam" is the Arabic term for peace. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized spreading peace and issued a directive to greet both acquaintances and strangers with this divine wish for tranquility.
How to Offer Salam:
- Short Version: "As-Salam."
- Extended Version: "As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh" (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you).
When to Greet:
- If someone is walking, initiate the greeting, especially if they are sitting.
- Younger individuals should greet their elders.
- In a smaller group, initiate the greeting to the larger group.
- Upon entering a house, greet the entire household, as recommended in the Quran.
Responding to Salam:
- Respond in kind or go beyond by adding phrases like "Wa Alaikum Salam" (And upon you be peace) or "Wa Alaikum Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh" (And upon you be peace and the mercy and blessings of Allah).
- Responding to a greeting is obligatory in Islam, reinforcing the importance of reciprocating the expression of peace.
Additional Practices:
- Shaking hands or hugging, particularly during journeys, enhances the bond of peace and love.
- It's virtuous to respond warmly, contributing to the overall atmosphere of harmony.
Prophetic Example: Even in challenging situations, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) greeted his greatest enemy, Pharaoh, with the words of peace. This illustrates the broad and inclusive nature of extending peace to all, regardless of differences.
Passing on Salam:
If someone conveys greetings to a person not present, following the Prophet's practice, it is Sunnah to convey the Salam to the absent individual. This fosters a chain of goodwill and responses.
Remember, while initiating the greeting is recommended, responding to it is an obligation in Islam. Upholding these practices contributes to a community characterized by peace and unity. May we all be bearers of peace and recipients of its blessings.
Peace be upon you all.