Greeting with "As-Salāmu 'Alaikum" is not just a cultural act — it is a divine command and a mark of Islamic brotherhood. It promotes love, peace, and unity among Muslims.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً
"But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good."
— Surah An-Nur (24:61)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
> "لَا تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَفَلَا 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 tell you something which, if you do, you will love each other? Spread Salam among yourselves."
— Sahih Muslim (54)
The Sahaba would compete to initiate the greeting, knowing the Prophet ﷺ said:
"The better one is he who initiates the Salam."
— Sahih al-Bukhari (6234)
Responding with "Wa 'Alaikum as-Salam wa Rahmatullah" is not optional — it is a right of every Muslim. Greeting brings barakah (blessing), humility, and unity in the Ummah.