3. Ethics of Greeting (Salam)

Islam has encouraged the custom of greetings among the members of Society because it leads to love and friendship. This is supported by the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ’s Hadith: “You will never enter Paradise until you become believers, and you will not become believers until you love each other. Shall I guide you to something that makes you love each other? Spread greetings with peace among you.” (Muslim) - Answering a greeting is obligatory: “When you are greeted with a greeting, reply with a better one or return it...” (The Qur’an, Chapter An-Nisa’a, 4: 86)

Islam has also explained obligations in matters of greeting priorities. According to the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A rider should greet a pedestrian, a pedestrian should greet him who is seated, and a small number of people should greet a bigger number.” (Narrated by both Bukhari and M) In one narration by Bukhari, it is added: A little or young person should greet an older one).