Islamic Greetings and Their Rewards: A Comprehensive Guide

The Islamic greeting, As-Salamu Alaikum (peace be upon you), is more than a simple exchange of words—it is a reflection of the essence of Islam, which promotes peace, kindness, and unity. Greeting one another with peace is not merely encouraged; it is an act of worship with significant spiritual benefits. It fosters love among Muslims, strengthens communal bonds, and serves as a reminder of the ultimate peace awaiting believers in Paradise.

The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of greetings and their etiquette:

Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:86):
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever an Accountant over all things.”

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized its significance:

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 54):
لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تُحَابُّوا، أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not guide you to something that will create love among you? Spread peace [greetings of peace] among yourselves.”

This article explores the etiquettes, spiritual rewards, and transformative impact of Islamic greetings in light of the Qur’an and Hadith.

The Significance of Islamic Greetings

Islamic greetings symbolize peace, goodwill, and a sense of mutual respect. They embody the essence of Islamic teachings that emphasize harmony and community spirit.

Commanded by Allah in the Qur’an

The Qur’an explicitly instructs Muslims to greet one another with peace and emphasizes the importance of returning a greeting in an even better manner or, at the very least, equitably:

Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:86):
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever an Accountant over all things.”

This verse underscores that greeting others is a divine command and reflects a believer’s consciousness of Allah’s presence.

 A Greeting of the Dwellers of Paradise

Islamic greetings also mirror the eternal greeting of peace in Paradise, highlighting their spiritual value:

Qur’an (Surah Ibrahim, 14:23):
تَحِيَّتُهُمْ فِيهَا سَلَامٌ
“Their greeting therein [in Paradise] will be, ‘Peace.’”

The Sunnah of Greeting in Islam

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) practiced and taught the importance of greeting others, establishing it as a cornerstone of Muslim social etiquette.

Spreading Peace Through Greetings

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to greet not only those they know but also strangers:

Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, 28):
لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تُحَابُّوا، أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ
“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 that will increase love among you? Spread peace [greetings of peace] among yourselves.”

This Hadith highlights that exchanging greetings fosters love and unity, serving as a pathway to Paradise.

Saying the Full Greeting

The complete greeting, “As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh” (peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you), is the most rewarding.

Hadith (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2689):
جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ ﷺ، فَقَالَ: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ، فَقَالَ: عَشْرٌ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ، فَقَالَ: عِشْرُونَ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، فَقَالَ: ثَلَاثُونَ
“A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘As-Salamu Alaikum,’ and the Prophet said: ‘Ten (rewards).’ Then he said: ‘As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,’ and the Prophet said: ‘Twenty (rewards).’ Then he said: ‘As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,’ and the Prophet said: ‘Thirty (rewards).'”

This Hadith shows that the more comprehensive the greeting, the greater the reward.

Etiquettes of Islamic Greetings

Initiating the Greeting

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that the one who initiates the greeting is better in the sight of Allah:

Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, 6234):
إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِاللَّهِ مَنْ بَدَأَهُمْ بِالسَّلَامِ
“Indeed, the closest of people to Allah are those who initiate the greeting of peace.”

Greeting Both Individuals and Groups

The Sunnah is to greet individuals as well as groups, as the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated.

Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawood, 5198):
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَسْلَمُ عَلَى الصِّبْيَانِ إِذَا مَرَّ بِهِمْ
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to greet children when he passed by them.”

Returning the Greeting

Responding to a greeting is mandatory, as commanded in the Qur’an:

Qur’an (Surah An-Nisa, 4:86):
فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا
“…Greet in return with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner].”

Rewards of Islamic Greetings

A Path to Paradise

Greeting others paves the way to Paradise by fostering love and peace among believers.

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 54):
أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلَامٍ
“Spread peace and you will enter Paradise in peace.”

Erasing Sins

Greeting others and shaking hands help erase sins.

Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawood, 5212):
إِذَا الْتَقَى الْمُسْلِمَانِ فَتَصَافَحَا غُفِرَ لَهُمَا قَبْلَ أَنْ يَفْتَرِقَا
“When two Muslims meet and shake hands, their sins are forgiven before they part.”

Multiplying Good Deeds

The act of greeting with “As-Salamu Alaikum” increases one’s good deeds, as detailed in the Hadith above (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2689).

The Global Impact of Islamic Greetings

Islamic greetings are a universal expression of peace that transcends barriers of language, ethnicity, and culture. By adhering to this Sunnah, Muslims contribute to a more compassionate and united society.

Fostering Brotherhood

The greeting reminds Muslims of their shared faith and strengthens the bond of brotherhood:

Hadith (Sahih Muslim, 2564):
الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ
“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim.”

Reflecting the Message of Islam

As a religion of peace, Islam’s emphasis on greetings showcases its commitment to creating harmony among individuals and communities.

Conclusion: Islamic Greetings and Their Rewards

The Islamic greeting, As-Salamu Alaikum (peace be upon you), is a beautiful reflection of the faith’s core principles: peace, love, and unity. By exchanging this greeting, Muslims are not only fulfilling a divine command but also fostering brotherhood, spreading kindness, and strengthening their bond with Allah.

The Qur’an reminds believers of the importance of greeting with peace:

Qur’an (Surah An-Nur, 24:61):
فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً
“But when you enter houses, give greetings of peace upon each other—a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described spreading peace as a path to Paradise:

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3696):
إِنَّ مِنْ أَفْضَلِ أَعْمَالِكُمْ إِفْشَاءَ السَّلَامِ
“Indeed, one of the best deeds you can do is to spread peace.”

By embracing and practicing Islamic greetings, Muslims not only strengthen their ties with one another but also align themselves with the divine values of peace and compassion. Let us revive this Sunnah with sincerity and earn the immense rewards that come with it. وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ