Sunnah of Greeting (Part 1)

The Islamic greeting:
“Assalamu A’laikum Warhmatullahi Wabarakatu”
(‘Peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah (S.W.T) be upon you’)

The Reply:
“Wa’laikum Salaam Warhmatullahi Wabarakatu”
(‘Peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah (S.W.T) be upon you too’)

Good action in Islam:
Hazrat AbdAllah bin Umar (R.A) states that a person came to the Holy Prophet and asked, “What is good action in Islam?”
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) replied, “Feed others and do Salaam to all, even if you don’t know them”.

Closest to Allah (S.W.T):
Abu Umamah (R.A) has reported Rasoolullah as saying, “Those who nearest to Allah are they, who are to give first salutation (Salaam)”.

Sins are forgiven:
Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) would greet people by shaking hands. Muslims should shake hands on doing Salaam. Rasoolullah (S.A.W) stated, “If two Muslims meet and shake hands, their minor sins are forgiven before they part. (Tirmidi)

Make Salaam on entering and on exiting:
Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said, “When you enter a house salute its inhabitants, and when you leave say farewell invoking a blessing for peace on them”.

Manners of Greeting:

• It is Sunnah to give Salaam, and it is necessary (Wajib) to reply.
• One should greet people, even if they don’t know them.
• When you enter the house, make Salaam.
• Try to give Salaam first, as this will bring you closer to Allah (S.W.T).