Greetings of Islam – Meaning, Etiquette & Spiritual Value

Greetings are more than polite words; they reflect respect, warmth, and the values of a culture. In Islam, greetings are elevated beyond social formality to an act of worship, a spiritual invocation, and a means of spreading love within the Ummah. The 

 are not ordinary words but divine expressions rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. When a Muslim says 

“As-Salamu Alaikum” (السلام عليكم)

 (The Source of Peace), and extend mercy and blessings upon the one they greet.

, we emphasize not only Qur’anic recitation and Tajweed but also the manners that embody Islam’s beauty. Teaching children and adults the greetings of Islam is part of nurturing a complete Islamic personality that blends knowledge with character.

. This simple yet profound phrase is deeply connected to faith, unity, and brotherhood.

Allah commands Muslims to exchange greetings of peace in the Qur’an:

Surah An-Nur 24:61

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further emphasized its importance:

اَ تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلاَ تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا ‏.‏ أَوَلاَ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَىْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ بَيْنَكُمْ

Sahih Muslim 54

Thus, the greeting is both an expression of goodwill and an act that nurtures faith and fosters unity.

The Meaning and Spiritual Depth of Islamic Greetings

When Muslims greet each other with Salaam, they are not merely exchanging words. They are:

 Asking Allah to grant safety, serenity, and comfort to the other person.

 Extending Allah’s Rahmah (mercy) in the greeting.

The greeting is rooted in one of Allah’s divine attributes, 

. This makes the act of giving Salaam a reminder of Allah’s presence in daily interactions.

The Prophet ﷺ described Salaam as a means of spreading love, removing hatred, and opening the doors of Jannah. In fact, greeting others sincerely with Salaam is a Sunnah that carries immense reward.

The Prophet ﷺ laid down etiquettes regarding who should initiate greetings. He said:

 يُسَلِّمُ الصَّغِيرُ عَلَى الْكَبِيرِ، وَالْمَارُّ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ، وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ

Sahih al-Bukhari 6234

This teaches humility, as the one in the more “advantaged” position initiates peace.

The Qur’an commands Muslims to reply to greetings with equal or better words:

Surah An-Nisa 4:86

 وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله (

) – And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah.

 وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته (

Wa Alaikum As-Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

) – And upon you be peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah.

Muslims are encouraged to give Salaam when:

Leaving gatherings (as it carries greater weight than the first).

Salaam is not restricted to mosques or religious gatherings—it should be part of daily life.

 Parents greeting children with Salaam nurtures love. Children returning it builds respect.

 Spreading Salaam to neighbors, friends, and fellow Muslims fosters brotherhood.

 Entering a room with Salaam transforms the environment with positivity.

 Salaam in messages, emails, and social media reflects the continuation of Sunnah even in digital spaces.

The beauty of Salaam is that it can be extended across generations, cultures, and borders—reminding Muslims that they are part of one global family.

Scholars differ on extending Salaam to non-Muslims. While some caution against it based on specific hadith, others allow initiating greetings of general peace (like “Good morning”) while reserving Salaam as a special bond among Muslims.

Many Muslims today say “Hello” or “Hi” instead of Salaam. While polite, these greetings cannot replace the reward and depth of Salaam. Saying Salaam first, then optionally adding “Hello,” ensures Sunnah is fulfilled.

Building stronger ties within families and communities.

Reducing stress by initiating positivity.

Instilling Islamic manners from an early age ensures they become second nature. Teaching Salaam is one of the simplest yet most impactful lessons.

, we integrate manners into Qur’an learning. Our teachers encourage children to greet with Salaam at the start of each class. This creates an environment of respect, spirituality, and love.

By practicing greetings alongside Tajweed, Recitation, and Hifz, students learn that Islam is not just about knowledge but also about daily adab (manners).

Greetings of Islam and Global Muslim Unity

Wherever Muslims travel—be it London, Lahore, New York, or Nairobi—Salaam connects them instantly. It is the same phrase in Arabic across all nations, symbolizing the unity of the Ummah.

Unlike cultural greetings, Salaam is universal. Whether in masjids, markets, or online, Salaam builds a bridge across language and culture, reminding every Muslim of their shared faith.

How Al Quran Companion Nurtures Islamic Manners Alongside Qur’an Learning

, we believe that Islamic education is incomplete without adab. That’s why our courses include not only:

Certified, experienced teachers who emphasize Sunnah.

Tools like progress tracking, recorded sessions and much more!

Certificates, family discounts, and global student community.

24/7 support and secure platform for peace of mind.

Enroll today for a 3-day free trial and experience Islamic learning that blends Qur’an with character.

Conclusion – Reviving the Sunnah of Islamic Greetings

 are not just words; they are bridges of love, mercy, and peace. They connect hearts, dissolve barriers, and invite Allah’s blessings into our lives. By reviving the Sunnah of greeting with Salaam, Muslims strengthen their bond with each other and with Allah.

, we are committed to nurturing both Qur’anic knowledge and Islamic character. Join our global community today and experience the harmony of learning Qur’an while living the Sunnah.

Start your free 3-day trial now at alqurancompanion.com and let every Salaam you say be a step towards Jannah.

Greetings of Islam – Meaning, Etiquette & Spiritual Value

Share this article

Ready to Deepen Your Quranic Journey?

Expert-Led Courses

Personalized Learning

Certified Progress