Whether it be a hand signal or through words, every civilized community has a set of greetings and salutations. Islam is not an exception; but moreoever, Islam has the incomparable greeting of Salaam. This Salaam will suffice for the tranquility and peace between Muslims today all over the world, if only it was spread by everyone. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhe Wasallam) said “make the salaam common amongst you.” It is said that when you are traveling with a partner and are divided for a split second by a tree, Salaam should be done again. The first Salaam is just as important as the second.
Salaam originated from the time of Adam (Alayhe Salaam). Allah commanded Adam to say ssalaam to the angels, and listen to their reply. “And listen to their reply, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your progeny.” Adam approached the angels with the words “Assalamu Alaykum” and the angels replied “Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi.”
This greeting is a form of Ibadah, if used with the proper intention. When salaam is made, one should remember that it consists of two major factors: dua and promise. It is a dua for the following reason that you are sending peace. And the promise is that you will not hurt your brother with your tongue or mind. That includes backbiting, lying, or even having an ill-thought. If the salaam is made with these intentions, you will lead a life full of mercy and free from evil.
The Prophet of Allah was once asked, “who should make Salaam first?”, in which he replied “The one who is closer to Allah.” Our pious predecessors have said that the one who initiates Salaam is free from pride, as it is an act of humbleness to stand up and walk towards a person to simply spread Salaam.
Salaam is not just a greeting for man to man, though it was sent on earth only. Salaam is an attribute of Allah. Allah’s Apostle said “Salaam is from the attributes of Allah which He has placed on earth.” When making this honorable greeting, we are not only sending peace, but the peace of Almighty Allah. This form of salutation is also used when visiting the Rodha Mubarak, used in Salah in Tasha-hud, in completion of Salah, and whenever one enters a cemetery.
In different narrarations, it says in Hadith that if one spreads Salaam, love will be created and he will be saved from the fire of Hell. It is also said that with Salaam, one should feed people. Aside from the special circumstances, one should make salaam to those of his acquaintance and those who are not and it is wajib to reply. This is one of the rights of a Muslim upon another.
Salaam has certain rights. The smaller gathering should greet the larger and the walking should greet the sitting. If the program has not commenced, one should also say Salaam to the gathering upon entrance. It is not right to specifically say salaam to one individual and give a general salaam to the group around him. If one is far away but sees his Muslim fellow from afar, he may hand signal, and the other may hand signal in return. The signal should not be a salute, as that is other than the way of Islam.
As far as opposite genders is concerned, it is said that if it is an old strange lady, one may send Salaam audibly. However, if it is a young lady, one should inaudibly say salaam, as to avoid fitnah. Salaam should not be made to non-Muslims, but if there is a gathering where both Muslims and non-Muslims are present, Salaam should be made to all. It is related in Hadith that whenever Rasulullah passed a group of ladies, his Salaam would be but a signal. If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim with Salaam, the Muslim should reply with “Wa Alaykum” (And to you as well). This is because the intention of the former is not known.
Salaam is not restricted to a certain age. Whether old or young as a child, one should spread Salaam. The beauty of Islam is the Salaam, but only if it used with the proper intention. The greeting is so important that even when speaking on the telephone, writing a letter, entering an empty or full house, Islam still stresses importance of spreading Salaam. Conveying salaam from a third person is also advised. Through this manner, if we abserve all the proper rulings of Salaam, Insha’Allah we will feel the mercy of Allah and lead a fruitful and peaceful livelihood.
May Allah give us the ability to spread Salaam, regardless of the association or relationship.
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