Greeting Etiquette

Allah the Exalted said: (And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet (in return) with one better than it or [at least] return it [in the like manner]) (The Noble Qur’an 4:86)

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said: “By Him in Whose Hand is my life! You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something which, if you do, you will love one another? Promote greetings amongst yourselves.” (Muslim).

What is the Greeting in Islam?

When you meet someone or a group of people whether you know them or not, you say to them: As-Salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatul-lahi Wa Barakatuh.

The response to this greeting is (Wa Alaikumus-Salamu Wa Rahmatul-lahi Wa Barakatuh.)

What is the meaning of the greeting?

As-Salamu Alaikum – means peace be on you (May you be safe from evil)

Wa Rahmatul-lahi – means and Allah’s mercy (be on you)

Wa Barakatuh – means Allah’s blessing (be on you)

All together it means: may Allah’s peace, mercy, and blessing be up on you.