5 Benefits of Saying Salaam

Ever wondered why it is so important for Muslims to say Salaam to one and other?   Below are 5 benefits you can earn for doing something as simple as saying Assalamu Alaikum (peace be on to you).

5. Greeting others with a Salaam and Smile in a social gathering creates a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging.

4. Sending greetings on family members especially parents, children, or spouse makes them feel loved, cared for and important!

3. Greeting others with kindness helps remove hard feelings – and reduces the chance of us unknowingly hurting someone’s feelings.

2. Sending Salaam on someone (asking Allah swt to grant peace and protection on them) increases our chances of having the same Dua made for us.

1. The Prophet (s) said, the best aspect of Islam is Feeding the hungry, and saying Salaam to those you know and those you don’t know.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Saying Salaam on someone may seem like a small matter but it has a lasting impact. Greetings others is an important part of human connection.  A warm greeting makes us feel loved and respected – and even special in some cases.

“I once went to a Jummah prayer that was being led by a well-known well-respected Shaikh.  Before starting his speech, the Shaikh walked over to the kids sitting in the prayer hall and greeted each with a handshake, a smile and Salaam.  Seeing the kids’ faces illuminate with joy and pride was priceless.  They couldn’t believe someone so important made an effort to personally greet them.”

Salaam with Family: Start Salaam at home. Teach your kids the importance of Salaam by modeling it.  Be genuine with your Salaam and say it to everyone you meet.  Kids pick up on this behavior – it makes Salaam feel normal and not embarrassing.  Remind kids often the importance of saying Salaam.  Building this habit early will help your children carry this good deed outside of the home.  In addition, make it a point to greet your spouse with a Salaam and a welcoming smile – this can help remove the tension of a busy household.

Salaam in Social Gathering: Whether you are at an event or at the Mosque be the first to greet others! When you do this deed for the sake of Allah – the rewards can be infinite.  Greet as many people as you can including people you do not know – make no distinction in who receives your Salaam and who does not.  You do not want someone to feel hurt because you made no effort to greet them.

“Allah swt tells us that when we make a mistake he can forgive us – but when we hurt someone it is up to that person to decide if we are forgiven”

Often a big reason why disputes occur between family and friends is that Salaam is not shared.  People feel that when Salaam is not given it is a deliberate act of ignoring or disrespecting someone.  Consequently, if a Salaam is given to you be sure to return it. The Prophet (s) has taught us to return a Salaam with a better or at least equal greeting.

Salaam for People who are not Muslims: Islam teaches us to be kind and courteous to ALL people regardless of their race, religion, or background. Make a strong effort to greet your neighbors and co-workers by selecting a simple greeting that is commonly used by them (as long as the greeting does not glorify anyone other than Allah swt).

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Be the first to say Salaam
• Make a special effort to greet elderly and children
• Shake hands when giving Salaam
• Return a Salaam with a better greeting
• Say Salaam to others for the Sake of Allah swt

Don’ts

• When giving Salaam men and women should not shake hands with each other (unless they are very closely related).
• When saying Salaam to a group of people do not leave anyone out. Say Salaam to everyone even if you don’t know them.
• When giving a greeting to our non-Muslim friends, do not select a greeting that goes against the teachings of Islam.

Did You Know!

1. When Rasulullah (s)’s beloved daughter Fatima (r) would enter, the Prophet (s) would stand up and greet his daughter, kiss her hand and seat her in his spot or near him.

2. You can send Salaam upon Rasulullah (s) by reciting Durood.

3. When you complete your prayer by turning to the right and left and saying “Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullah” you are greeting the Angels to the right and left of you with Salaam.

Hadith on Salaam:

• Salaam is an aspect of Imaan. Once a man asked from Holy Prophet (SAW) about which aspect of Islam was the best then Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Feeding the hungry and saying Salaam to those you know and those you don’t know.”(Bukhari)

• Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “When two Muslims meet (give Salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven for their sins before they part (with each other)”(Abu Dawud).

• Saying Salaam is a means of entering Jannah. Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salaam (the greeting of peace) among you.”(Muslim)

• In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Then, those that feared their Lord shall be driven in companies into Paradise. When they draw near its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them: “Salaamu ‘Alaikum”, you have done well. Enter and live in it forever.”(Quran, 39:73).