ASSALAMU ALAIKUM — Peace be upon you

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM I SLAM teaches Muslims to greet people when they meet them, by saying ‘Assalamu alaikum’ that is, peace be upon you. According to the Islamic code of behaviour, when a Muslim meets another person, he should greet him with these words: ‘Peace be upon you’, and the other person must say in return, ‘Peace be upon you too.’ The greeting ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ is a sacred covenant by which one leads a principled life. We find a number of verses in the Quran and a great number of traditions or Hadith of the Prophet which enjoin believers to be generous in extending greetings to others. One verse which is quite specific about this says: If a man greets you, let your greeting be better than his, or at least return his greeting. Surely God takes account of all things. THE QURAN 4: 86 This is further elaborated upon in the Quran in the following verse: You who believe, do not enter houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and saluted their inmates. This is better for you, so that you may be mindful. THE QURAN 24: 27 Many traditions of the Prophet attach great importance to greetings. Here are some traditions on this subject: According to one Hadith, the Prophet said: “The best of men to God is he who begins with a greeting.” (MUSNAD AHMAD) In the greeting ‘Assalamu Alaikum’, Salam means peace. This term thus signifies, “Be sure that your life, property, and honour are safe in my hands.” The reply ‘Walaikumus Salaam’ also means the same, that is, you are also secure in my hands as regards your life, property and honour.