Islam places great importance on spreading peace and affection among people. When Muslims meet, the Sunnah is to initiate the greeting of peace (Salam), which serves as a powerful supplication for safety, mercy, and blessings.
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
As-salāmu 'alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari — Sahih al-Bukhari 6235
Authenticity: Sahih
Meaning and Explanation
This greeting is a divine supplication asking Allah to grant the other person absolute peace, His boundless mercy, and continuous blessings.
When to Recite
Upon meeting a fellow Muslim or entering a gathering.
How to Recite
Initiate clearly with a warm smile and a handshake (for same-gender meetings).
Important Notes
It is obligatory to return the greeting with an equal or better phrase ('Wa 'alaykumus-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh').
Benefits
Spreading Salam fosters love among believers, fulfills an obligation of Islamic brotherhood, and earns thirty good deeds for the full greeting.
Additional Duas
وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلاَمُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Wa 'alaykumus-salāmu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh.
And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ
Yaghfirullāhu lanā wa lakum.
May Allah forgive us and you.
Content type: Hadith
Tags:
dua when meeting someone
greeting dua
meeting supplication
Islamic greeting
salam etiquette