Saying Salām and Spreading Peace in Islam

Suyuti1 · Jun 07, 2025, 02:58 PM

Greeting others with "As-Salāmu Alaykum" is one of the most powerful and beloved acts in Islam. It means "Peace be upon you" and is a duʿā, a bond of love, and a Sunnah that builds unity and brotherhood.

Allah says:

فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُم بُيُوتٗا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةٗ مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ
"But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good."
— Surah An-Nūr (24:61)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"لَا تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا... أَفَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ"
"You will not enter Paradise until you believe... Shall I tell you something that will spread love among you? Spread Salām among yourselves."
— Sahih Muslim (54)

Replying to Salām is obligatory:

وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٖ فَحَيُّوا۟ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا
"When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with better than it or return it equally."
— Surah An-Nisā' (4:86)

The Sahabah would say Salām even when separated by trees or walls. Salām erases hatred, brings barakah, and opens the gates of Jannah.

Saying Salām and Spreading Peace in Islam

Suyuti1

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