🌐 SALUTATIONS: Arabic as-salām (السلام)—The Universal Greeting of Peace in Islam
Comprehensive Definition
As-salām (السلام) is an Arabic term meaning “peace”. It is a common salutation used by Muslims around the world. The full greeting phrase is as-Salāmu ʿalaikum (السلام عليكم), translating to “The peace be upon you”, and it’s usually responded to with Wa ʿalaikum as-salām (وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ), meaning “And upon you be peace”.
Etymology and Linguistic Background
The root slm (سلم) in Arabic linguistics denotes peace, safety, and submission. The word “Islam” itself is derived from this same root, emphasizing peace and submission to the will of God. Similar salutations can be found in Hebrew as shalom (שָׁלוֹם) and in Syriac Aramaic as shlama.
Cultural and Theological Background
The act of extending and returning as-salām is rooted in the religious texts of Islam. The Holy Qur’ān directly mentions the importance of greetings in several verses. For example:
- Surah An-Nur (24:61): “When you enter houses, then greet each other with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”
- Surah An-Nisa (4:86): “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally…”
Cultural Differences and Common Practices
Across different Muslim communities, salutations extend beyond simple verbal greetings to physical gestures and practices that signify respect:
- In the Middle East, it is customary to place the right hand over the heart while exchanging greetings to express sincerity.
- South Asian Muslims often accompany as-salām with a slight bow or a nod of the head.
- Indonesian Muslims might offer a respectful handshake without gripping too hard, reflecting the importance of humility.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Tahiyyah (تحية) – Greeting in general.
- Taslīm (تسليم) – Another Arabic term associated with salutation.
Antonyms:
- Ightiyāl (اغتيال) – Treachery or an act suggesting hostility, the antithesis of peaceful greetings.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tahiyyat al-Masjid (تحية المسجد): A prayer to greet the mosque, performed upon entering.
- Salāmun ‘alaykum (سلام عليكم): Another variation of the peace greeting, used among Muslims around the world.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
Exciting Facts:
- The tradition of as-salām is attributed to Prophet Adam and reflects an eternal divine command for peace.
- Using the full salutary term Wa ‘alaykumu as-salām wa raḥmatu’ llāh, extends not just peace, but also divine mercy.
Quotations:
- “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or return it equally.” - Holy Qur’an, 4:86
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
Books:
- Islamic Manners by Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah.
- The Islamic Greetings: Wealth of Etiquette by Monzer Kahf.
Academic Journals:
- Journal of Islamic Studies for comprehensive studies on Islamic salutations and etiquette.
- Middle Eastern Studies for cultural practices and variations in Salām.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
May peace and understanding prevail, as the Prophet Muhammad reminded us: “The nearest people to God are those who salute first.”
-Nura Haddadi, 2023-10-08
