Dear Young Muslims, Assalamu Alaikum!
Imagine walking into your home, your classroom, or even meeting your friends at the park. What’s the first thing you say? A warm greeting! In Islam, we have a beautiful way of greeting each other, and that is by saying “Assalamu Alaikum” which means “May peace be upon you.”
This greeting isn’t just a set of words; it’s a prayer, a reminder, and a way to spread love and peace. Today, we’re going to learn all about this special greeting, why it’s important, and how it brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Let’s explore this together with the help of the Quran, hadith, and the examples set by the beloved companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
What Does “Assalamu Alaikum” Mean?
“Assalamu Alaikum” is an Arabic phrase that means “May peace be upon you.” When you say this, you are asking Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to grant peace, safety, and blessings to the person you are greeting. Isn’t that beautiful? It’s not just a greeting—it’s a dua (supplication)!
And when someone responds by saying “Wa Alaikum Assalam” (And may peace be upon you too), they are returning that same dua to you. It’s like exchanging gifts of peace and blessings every time you meet someone.
Allah’s Command to Spread Peace
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) has taught us in the Quran the importance of saying Salam:
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with one better than it or at least return it [in a like manner]. Surely, Allah is the Best Accountant.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:86)
This verse teaches us that when someone says “Assalamu Alaikum” to us, we should reply in an even better way. For example:
- If someone says, “Assalamu Alaikum,” you can respond, “Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh” (May peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you).
- If you can’t add anything, then at least respond equally, “Wa Alaikum Assalam.”
This way, we are spreading even more peace and blessings.
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) loved saying Salam. He would greet everyone he met with “Assalamu Alaikum,” whether they were children, adults, or even people he didn’t know. Let’s look at some amazing examples:
- Greeting Children
The Prophet (ﷺ) didn’t wait for others to greet him first; he would greet children too! Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported:“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pass by children and greet them with Salam.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)Imagine how happy the children felt when the Prophet (ﷺ) greeted them personally! It showed how much he cared for them. - Spreading Peace Everywhere
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that will increase love between you? Spread Salam among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim)This hadith shows that saying Salam is more than just words—it’s a way to bring hearts together and spread love and unity in the community.
The Reward of Saying Salam
Did you know that every time you say “Assalamu Alaikum,” you earn rewards from Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)? The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained:
- Saying “Assalamu Alaikum” earns 10 rewards.
- Adding “Wa Rahmatullah” earns 20 rewards.
- Adding “Wa Barakatuh” earns 30 rewards.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When a man greets another with Salam and enters upon him, then says: ‘Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,’ his sins will be forgiven before he even sits down.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
So, the next time you greet someone, make it count!
Also Read: The Significance of Knowing Allah: Transforming Lives and Hearts
The Companions and Their Love for Salam
The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) loved practicing Salam because they knew how much it pleased Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Let’s learn from their examples:
- Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه):
Umar would walk through the streets of Madinah just to greet people with Salam. He would even say:“I want to spread peace wherever I go.” - Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه):
He was known for greeting everyone with Salam, even people he didn’t know. When asked why, he replied:“Because the Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Spread Salam among those you know and those you do not know.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
When to Say Salam?
Saying Salam is a Sunnah in many situations. Here are some examples:
- When entering or leaving a house:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“When you enter your home, greet your family with Salam; it will be a blessing for you and your household.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood) - When meeting Muslims:
Anytime you meet another Muslim, whether you know them or not, greet them with Salam. - Before starting a conversation:
Always begin with Salam before you talk to someone. It sets the tone for a respectful and peaceful conversation. - When entering a gathering:
Say Salam when you join a group, and when you leave, say Salam again.
Teaching Others the Beauty of Salam
As young Muslims, you can become role models by spreading Salam wherever you go. Here are some ideas:
- Start the habit of saying Salam to your family every day.
- Greet your friends with Salam instead of saying “Hi” or “Hello.”
- Remind your siblings or classmates to reply with a full Salam.
The Angels Record Salam
When you say Salam, angels write it down as a good deed for you. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The closest of people to Allah is the one who initiates Salam.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
So, don’t wait for others to say Salam—be the first to spread peace and earn rewards.
Practical Tips for Spreading Salam
- Make it a Habit:
Practice saying Salam every time you meet someone. It might feel new at first, but soon it will become a part of your daily life. - Teach Salam to Non-Muslims:
If you have friends who aren’t Muslim, explain to them the meaning of “Assalamu Alaikum” and how it spreads peace. It’s a wonderful way to share the beauty of Islam. - Use Salam on Technology:
When sending messages or emails, start with Salam. For example:- Text: “Assalamu Alaikum! How are you?”
- Email: “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah. I hope this message finds you well.”
- Smile When Saying Salam:
A smile combined with Salam makes the greeting even more beautiful. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Your smile for your brother is a charity.”
(Jami’ at-Tirmidhi)
The Ultimate Goal: Spreading Peace
The act of saying “Assalamu Alaikum” is more than a greeting—it’s a way to spread peace, love, and unity among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) loves those who bring peace into the world, and by practicing this simple Sunnah, you can earn His pleasure.
Conclusion
Dear kids, remember that Islam teaches us to be kind, loving, and peaceful. Saying “Assalamu Alaikum” is one of the easiest ways to spread peace and earn Allah’s blessings. By following this Sunnah, you can strengthen your relationships, bring smiles to others, and most importantly, draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
So, the next time you meet someone, don’t forget to say “Assalamu Alaikum.” It’s a small phrase, but it carries the power to bring hearts together and spread the light of Islam.
Now, let’s make a promise together: From today onward, we will always say Salam to everyone we meet, and we will reply with even more blessings. Deal?
May Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) fill your life with peace, happiness, and blessings. Ameen!
