Sunnah of Greeting (Part 2)

Virtues of greeting first:
One who makes greeting first, receives ten rewards and the one who replies back gets one rewards. Hazrat Abu Umamah (R.A) reported that Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: “He, who takes initiative in greeting his brother, deserves more mercy of Allah.”

Giving Salaam when entering the house:
Hazrat Anas (R.A) reported that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Son, when you enter your house, greet them with Salaam as it will bring Allah’s blessing for all of you”. (Tirmidi)

Shaking of the hands:
Use both hands when greeting. Our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) said, “The perfect way for one to greet is to shake hands”.

Free from false pride and arrogance:
Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mas’ood (R.A) reported that Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: “One, who takes initiative in greeting, is free from false pride and arrogance”.

Manners greeting and shaking hands:

• Males must not shake hands with females. This rule applies to such females whom marriage is permissible. Hence, it is permissible to shake hands with one’s mother, sister, daughter, aunt (mother’s sister), grandmother and wife.

• If a Non Muslim makes Salaam, reply “Wa’laikum” only.

• Do not say Salaam if someone is calling the Azaan, Iqamah, or when the Khutbah is performed.

• The walking should make Salaam to the sitting, the young should make Salaam to the old, and small group should make Salaam to the larger group.

• It is forbidden to shake hands with just fingers; in a Hadith it states this is the practice of the Christians.