In Islam, exchanging greetings has big rewards in both this life and the hereafter. To understand its importance, you have first to realize its meaning and rules.
Islam covers every aspect of life; it is not a religion that is only practiced once a week or during specific celebrations. Islam, through the words of God in the Quran, and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, offers advice and guidance from dawn till dusk, from birth until death. Islam even teaches the believers the best way to greet each other; it is a complete way of life.
- Saying “As- Salam-U- Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” means a guarantee that I will not harm you, as it is a very strong bond of security and peace.
- It is also a kind of invocation, as you pray Allah to make this person in peace in his mind, his body, his social life …etc.
- Islam encourages its followers to spread greetings among themselves, as the Prophet (PBUH) said:
How should I reply to “Assalamu Alaikum”?
- 'alaika as-salam عليك السلام and
- wa 'alaika as-salam وعليك السلام
- 'alaika as-salam السلام عليك ... etc. all this five expressions can be referenced from the sunna, even if i only referenced one!
عليك سلام الله قيس بن عاصم * ورحمته ما شاء أن يترحما
فما كان قيس هلكه هلك واحد * ولكنه بنيان قوم تهدما
- as-salamu 'alaikum = peace be upon you
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wa 'alaikum as-salam = peace be upon you too or literally translated and peace be upon you
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('alaikum as-salam = peace be upon you)