“Assalaamu Alaykum”: The Islamic greeting

19 Feb, 2017 - 00:02 0 Views
“Assalaamu Alaykum”: The Islamic greeting Sunday Mail

The Sunday Mail

Umari Stambuli Holy Qur’aan Speaks —
ISLAM covers every aspect of life. it is not a religion that is only practiced once a week or during specific celebrations.

Through the words of God Almighty in the Holy Qur’aan, the sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), offers instruction, guidance and advice for the daily activities, needs and necessities of humankind from birth until death.

Islam being a complete way of life, even teaches the believers the best way to greet each other!

What exactly does the word Islam mean? It is an Arabic word that comes from the root, sa-la–ma, which means submission to the will of God. It also shares the same root for the Arabic word meaning peace. However, it is a descriptive word that entails more than tranquillity and calmness. It also encompasses the concepts of safety, security and submission.

In fact, Islam in the legal sense means submission to the One God who grants us safety, security, peace and harmony. The word Muslim (that is the one who submits to the will of God) is also derived from the same root, as is the Islamic greeting — “Assalaamu alaykum” (May the peace and protection of God Almighty be upon you).

It is rather obvious too that the Muslims are linked together by various means. Most important is the belief that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah (The Almighty) and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last and final Messenger.

This is what distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims. However, believers are also reminded of the bonds between them whenever they greet one another. The Islamic greeting – “Assalaamu alaykum”, is in fact an invocation whereby one asks God Almighty to grant protection and security to his or her fellow Muslim.

This greeting encourages believers to be a worldwide community unencumbered by tribal or nationalistic loyalties and bound together by peace and unity.

Allah Almighty commanded Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) “When those who believe in Our verses and signs come to you, say (to them) “Salaam Alaykum”; your Lord has prescribed Mercy for Himself, so that if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds (by obeying God), then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Ch 6 : v 54)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded the believers to greet fellow believers, whether known to them or not known to them. Thus believers try to establish peace and friendly relations by this greeting immediately upon meeting one another. When Muslims of any nationality, ethnicity or colour meet they will greet each other as members of one family.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared that believers also have rights over one another, “The Muslim has five rights over his fellow-Muslim: he should greet him with ‘salaam’, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and ask God Almighty to have mercy on him when he sneezes”.

The Islamic greeting is, “Assalaamu alaykum” (may the peace and protection of God Almighty be upon you). The response to this is, “Wa alaykum assalaam” (And may the peace and protection of God Almighty be upon you too) – literally a reciprocation of the brotherly declaration and sentiments. These brief Arabic words let Muslims know that they are among friends, not strangers. More importantly among brethren and not enemies. Interestingly, just these few words of greeting reveal so much!

In fact Allah Almighty commands in the Holy Qur’aan: “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or (at least) return it equally. Certainly, God is most watchful over all things.” (Ch 4 : v 86)

Better Islamic greetings include, “Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah,” which means, may God grant you protection, security and mercy, and “Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh,” which means, May God grant you protection, security, mercy and may He bless you. Greeting in return with something better would be, for example, after hearing the words Assalaamu Alaykum one would respond with, “Wa Alaykum assalam wa Rahmatullah”.

For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:

Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars

Publications Department

P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare

Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003

e-mail: [email protected]

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