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 greetings of Islam are not ordinary words but divine expressions rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. When a Muslim says “As-Salamu Alaikum” (السلام عليكم)—peace be upon you—they invoke one of Allah’s Names, As-Salaam (The Source of Peace), and extend mercy and blessings upon the one they greet.

At Al Quran Companion, 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.

The central greeting in Islam is “As-Salamu Alaikum”, which means peace be upon you. 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:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further emphasized its importance:

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

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

The greeting is rooted in one of Allah’s divine attributes, As-Salaam. 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:

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:

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.

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

At Al Quran Companion, 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).

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.

The greetings of Islam 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.

At Al Quran Companion, 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.