Explanation
In Islam, the greeting "Assalamu Alaikum" is not merely a "hello." It is a profound prayer where you wish peace, safety, and security upon the other person. When you meet a Muslim, saying "Assalamu Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) is a way of establishing a spiritual connection and brotherhood. The response, "Wa Alaikum Assalam" (And peace be upon you too), completes the cycle of goodwill. This practice is the foundation of Islamic social etiquette, as it promotes love, removes hatred, and humbles the ego, making it one of the most beautiful and essential Sunnahs for maintaining harmony in society.
Is there a Quranic Or Hadith reference?
Yes, the practice of greeting with Salam is deeply rooted in both the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Quranic Reference: Allah commands this in the Quran, Surah An-Nisa (4:86):
"And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant."
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized spreading Salam. In a famous Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, 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 something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) Salam among yourselves."
Summary
(English) Saying Salam is a vital Sunnah that transforms a simple meeting into an act of worship. It is a powerful prayer for peace that fosters brotherhood and eliminates pride. By spreading Salam, we invoke Allah’s mercy on others and ourselves, strengthening the bonds of the community and inviting divine love and harmony into our daily interactions.
(Hinglish) Salam sirf ek greeting nahi balki ek ibadat hai. Jab hum "Assalamu Alaikum" kehte hain, toh hum dusron ke liye salamti ki dua karte hain, jisse dilon mein mohabbat paida hoti hai aur dushmani khatam hoti hai. Islam mein Salam ko aam karna sawab ka kaam hai, kyunki yeh rishton ko mazboot karta hai aur Allah ki rehmat ko khinchta hai.
Salam kehna Islam mein kyun itna ahem hai aur iska hamare social rishton par kya asar padta hai?