Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh or Assalamualaikum is the most popualr word in the Muslim community. It is the Islamic way of greeting another Muslim by giving him or her a dua ‘Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,’ which means, ‘ Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings. ‘
In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, its definition, and where and how to use it.
What is the meaning of Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh?
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh or Assalamualaikum is a dua that means Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings. This way of Islamic greetings is prescribed by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) and is widely spread among Muslim nations, regardless of their country.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh definition?
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh or Assalamualaikum can be defined as the first thing you can say to a Muslim. Like we say “Hello or Hi,” Muslims use the Salam, an Islamic greeting, to start a conversation.
The complete dua is not used and has been replaced by Assalamualaikum or Salamalikum.
How to pronounce Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh?
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, or the Islamic greetings, can be pronounced correctly by breaking it into pieces. Here is the breakdown of Salam, which will make it easy for non-Arabic speakers to pronounce.
- Asss
- Salam
- Alikum
- Wa
- Rahmaat
- Ullah
- Wa
- Barakaa
- To-Houu
What does assalamualaikum mean?
The literal meaning of Assalamualiakum means “Peace be upon you.” The word is derived from Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, the Islamic greeting method.
Why was Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh shortned?
Every religion has its own way of greeting. Jews say Shalom, and Christians use “Praise the Lord”, while Muslims use the word ‘Salam’ which is the shortest form of Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and means peace.
The word ‘Salam’ was widely used in Arabic countries, and Muslims from around the world adopted it. Now, the word has found its place in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.
However, the original way of Islamic greetings prescribed and practiced by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is by saying Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Now, coming to the point, why was it shortened? Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh was reduced to Salam because people are busy in their daily lives and want to save time. They also want to say a quick hi and leave for whatever they are doing. Whereas the Islamic greeting ‘Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh’ is not a single word like saying ‘Hi’ but it is a complete dua which is very much welcomed by the receiver. It is the best way to break the ice between two strangers (Muslims).
Is Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh in the Holy Quran?
We have searched almost every Surah and Verse of the Holy Quran and could find Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. However, the word “Salam’ has been used frequently in many Surahs.
The word Salam or Salama has been used several times in the Quran, which is why it is so popular in the Muslim world. Here are a few references from the Quran for the word Salam.
Salam is used as an Islamic greeting
The Quran uses the word Salam as a greeting by angels. In Surah Hud Verse 69, the Quran says, And surely Our messenger-angels came to Abraham with good news ˹of a son˺. They greeted ˹him with˺, “Peace!” And he replied, “Peace ˹be upon you˺!” Then it was not long before he brought ˹them˺ a ˹fat,˺ roasted calf.
The story of Abraham and the angles is also mentioned in Surah Adh-Dhariyat Verse 24, ˹Remember˺ when they entered his presence and greeted ˹him with˺, “Peace!” He replied, “Peace ˹be upon you˺!” ˹Then he said to himself,˺ “These people must be strangers!”
The Quran has provided another good news to believers on the day of judgment: when they meet their creator (Allah), they will be treated with a salam and rewards.
Surah Al-Ahzab Verse 43, Their greeting on the Day they meet Him will be, “Peace!” And He has prepared for them an honourable reward.
Salam used as Peace
The word Salam has been used in the Quran, which translates to peace. In Surah Waqiah, the Quran talks about the day of judgment, what the end of the non-believers will be, and how the believers will be rewarded. The Quran speaks about the disastrous end of this world and mentions the rewards the believers will be getting.
The rewards include pure wine, beautiful women, delicious fruits, and tasty meat of birds. Those girls will be with beautiful eyes, and the believers won’t hear any idel or sinful talk but good and peace or salam.
Surah Waqiah, Verse 25: ” But (they will hear) the words of Salām, Salām (as greetings).”
Allah has sent peace (Salam) to Prophet Essa (PBUH) on the day he was born, on the day he died, and on the day he will be restricted. The complete story is mentioned in Surah Maryam Verse 12-15
The significance and meaning of Assalamualaikum from Hadiths
Assalamualaikum or Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi can be found in various hadiths. Here are a few Hadiths describing the meaning of Assalamualaikum and its significance in Islam.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi used in Salat
As a Muslim we all know that we have to make salam at the end of every salat. The salam is for the entire Muslim world and the angles on our left and right. Here is the Hadith describing this act.
Narrated by Ammar bin Yasir, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to say the Salam to his right and to his left, until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen (saying): ‘As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah, as-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah.’” — Sunan Ibn Majah 916
Assalamu Alaikum used as greeting
Assalamu Alaikum was used as greetings at the time of our Holy Prophet (PBUH). Therefore, we should adopt this practice and replace the hi and hellos with it. Here is a Hadith for your reference.
Narrated by Abu Usaid Saidi, “The Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said to Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, when he entered upon them: “Assalamu alaikum’. They said: ‘Wa alaikas salamu wa ahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.’ He said: ‘How are you this morning?’ They said: ‘ Well, praise is to Allah. And how are you this morning, may our fathers and mothers be ransomed for you, O Messenger of Allah?!’ He said: ‘I am well, praise is to Allah.'”(Daif) — Sunan Ibn Majah 3711
As-Salamu Alaikum used before the Holy Prophet!
Yes, you had heard that right; the Islamic greeting (As-Salamu Alaikum) was used by Prophet Adam (PBUH) when he was ordered by Allah to greet a group of Angles. He went to them and said, ‘As-Salamu Alaikum’ (Peace be upon you).’ They replied, ‘AsSalamu-‘Alaika wa Rahmatullah (Peace and Allah’s Mercy be on you).
It was the angles who added the word Wa Rahmatullah in the salam. Here is the Hadith: Narrated by Abu Huraira, The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah created Adam in His picture, sixty cubits (about 30 meters) in height. When He created him, He said (to him), “Go and greet that group of angels sitting there, and listen what they will say in reply to you, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your offspring.” Adam (went and) said, ‘As-Salamu alaikum (Peace be upon you).’ They replied, ‘AsSalamu-‘Alaika wa Rahmatullah (Peace and Allah’s Mercy be on you) So they increased ‘Wa Rahmatullah’ The Prophet (ﷺ) added ‘So whoever will enter Paradise, will be of the shape and picture of Adam Since then the creation of Adam’s (offspring) (i.e. stature of human beings is being diminished continuously) to the present time.”
Greeting one another by Salam
It is prescribed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to great one another with Salam, the Islamic greetings. Narrated by Samurah bin Jundab, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded us to greet our Imam with Salam, and to greet one another with Salam.” — Sunan Ibn Majah 922
Salam to young ones
In Islam, the Salam is not only for the elderly. You can give an Islamic greeting to anyone, even if they are younger than you. In most countries, Salam is expected from the young ones to the old, however the Holy Prophet (PBUH) give Salam to young boys while he was walking.
Narrated by Sayyar, “I was walking with Thabit Al-Bunani. He passed by some boys, so he said Salam to them. Then Thabit said: ‘I was with Anas when he passed by some boys and gave the Salam to them, and Anas said: I was with the Prophet (PBUH) when he passed by some boys and he gave the Salam to them.'” — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2696
Conclusion
After reading the Holy Quran and Hadiths it is quite evident that Salam or Assalamualaikum has its significance in Islam. Allah has selected the Islamic greetings for Muslims, and the angles have extended it.
We should include Salam in our daily lives and avoid saying hi or hello to our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.
When should you avoid saying Salam or Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh?
One should avoid saying salam when he is not in an appropriate situation, like when a person is passing stool or urine, Having sex with his wife, etc.
Ibn Umar narrated that a man gave the Salam to the Prophet (PBUH) while he was urinating, but the Prophet (PBUH) did not return the Salam to him.” — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2720
Assalamualaikum reply?
When someone says Assalamualaikum or Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh to you. Reply with “Waalikumsalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh or Waalikumsalam.”
Aisha (RA) said that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, “This is Jibril (Gabriel) who is conveying you greetings of peace.” I responded: “Wa ‘Alaihis-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu (May peace be upon him and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings).” — Riyad as-Salihin 851
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed everything you need to know about Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. How was it changed to Assalamualaikum, and how was it further reduced to Salam?
We have also mentioned the significance and importance of Salam from the Holy Quran and Hadiths. We will keep this blog updated with new information from different sources. Here is a video by Mufti Menk if you are looking for more explanation.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Assalamualaikum in English?
Assalamualaikum means ‘Peace be upon you.’ The word is widely used in the Muslim world to greet each other.
Can I Salam to non-Muslims?
A Muslim can say Salam to a Muslim but not to a non-Muslim. There is a reason behind this: When you say Salam to a Muslim, you ask for blessings from Allah for him. A non-Muslim or non-believer does not believe in Allah or the messenger. Therefore, Allah won’t send his blessings to him or her.
What to do if a Non-Muslim says Salam?
Saying Salam to a Non-Muslim is not preferred and should be avoided. However, many Muslims work in offices with non-Muslims, where they eat and work together. What should you do if your non-Muslim friend says Salam or Assalamualaikum to you? Reply with saying “Walikum” only. Don’t complete the Salam as you do for Muslims.
Is Assalamualaikum a dua?
Yes, Assalamualaikum is a dua that you give to a Muslim. Here is a list of popular and powerful duas that you should use in your daily life.
