Salaam (Arabic: سلام)
Definition and Etymology
Salaam (سلام) originates from the triconsonantal root s-l-m (س-ل-م) in Arabic, which carries connotations of peace, safety, and wholeness. Salaam generally signifies peace and is integral to Islamic practice and vernacular.
Background and Usage
In Quranic context, salaam appears frequently, reflecting both Peace and Salvation. For instance:
“And Peace (Salaam) was upon him on the day he was born, the day he will die, and the day he will be raised up alive.” (Qur’an 19:15)
Central to the daily life of Muslims, the salutation “As-Salaamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) is an essential greeting, emphasizing the importance of peace and goodwill towards others.
Historical Context
Before Islam, Salaam was already a significant term, resonating with the Hebrew greeting Shalom (שלום). When Prophet Muhammad introduced Islam, he retained this salutation to strengthen the bonds among Muslims and to signal peace.
In Islamic prayers (Salaat), salaam is pronounced upon Prophet Muhammad:
“As-Salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan Nabiyyu, wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings).
Cultural Exchange and Similarities
Across various cultures, the concept of peace as a formal or colloquial greeting finds its equivalents in:
- Hebrew: Shalom (שלום)
- Persian: Salam (سلام)
- Turkish: Selam (Selam)
- Urdu: Salaam (سلام)
- Bengali: Salam
While rooted in similar religious and cultural ethos, these greetings also symbolize the universal aspiration for peace and mutual respect.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Shalom (שלום) - Hebrew
- Paz (Peace) - Spanish
- Pax (Peace) - Latin
Antonyms:
- War (حرب) - Harb
- Discord (خلاف) - Khilaaf
Related Terms
Islam: The name of the religion, deriving from the same root s-l-m (س-ل-م), meaning submission to God in peace.
Muslim: One who submits to God’s will in peace.
Al-Salaam: One of the 99 Names of Allah; it means “The Peace, The Source of Peace and Safety.”
Exciting Facts
- Salamanders: Their name traces back to salam, symbolizing ancient mythology’s link with fire and protection, contrasting with the literal safety and peace in Islamic terms.
- Global Day of Peace: Held annually on September 21, it aims to strengthen the principles embodied in Salaam globally.
Quotations
- Al-Ghazali: “Peace is the state wherein tranquility prevails, and all suppressions of good removed.”
- Rumi: “Inside you there’s an artist you don’t know about…You’re like a hurricane, but you are the essence of Salaam (peace).”
Suggested Literature and Sources
- Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings.
- The Qur’an - Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
- **Al-Ghazali’s The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God - detailed exploration into meanings and implications.
- Hadith Collections by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, elucidating salaam’s various religious contexts.
Farewell Thought
Salaam embodies peace, a timeless pursuit transcending borders, cultures, and epochs. May this journey through Salaam inspire reflections upon our collective desire for harmonious existence.
Yours in exploration,
Layla Karim October 20, 2023
