GREETING IN ISLAM
Arabic:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Transliteration:
As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Translation:
“Peace be upon you as well as Allah’s mercy and blessings.”
The response shown in the image is:
Arabic:
وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Transliteration:
Wa Alaikumus Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Translation:
“And upon you be Allah’s mercy and blessings.”
This beautifully illustrates the Islamic way of greeting, emphasizing respect, peace, and blessings in communication.
Teaching children the GREETING is a valuable practice that instills spiritual mindfulness and a sense of security. Parents often have several questions regarding this practice. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers:
FAQ
What is the proper greeting in Islam?
The Islamic greeting is “As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh”, which means “Peace be upon you as well as Allah’s mercy and blessings.”
The response is “Wa Alaikumus Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh”, meaning “And upon you be Allah’s mercy and blessings.”
Why is greeting others important in Islam?
- Greeting others is a Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- It fosters love, peace, and harmony among individuals.
- It is a way to invoke blessings and goodwill.
Can parents and teachers use informal greetings instead of the full Islamic greeting?
While informal greetings like “Hi” or “Hello” are common, it is encouraged to use the full Islamic greeting, as it carries spiritual blessings. Teachers and parents can start with “As-salamu Alaikum” before using other phrases to keep the Islamic spirit alive.
Should children be taught to greet their teachers with "As-salamu Alaikum"?
Yes, it is a good practice for children to greet their teachers with “As-salamu Alaikum” to show respect and adhere to Islamic traditions. Teachers can also reciprocate with the proper response to set an example.
Can non-Muslim teachers or parents use the Islamic greeting?
Yes, non-Muslims can say or respond to “As-salamu Alaikum” if they are comfortable doing so. It is a universal message of peace.
How can teachers and parents encourage children to use the Islamic greeting?
- Model the behavior: Regularly greet children and others with “As-salamu Alaikum.”
- Explain its significance: Teach children that it’s a way to spread peace and earn rewards.
- Role-playing: Practice greeting scenarios during Islamic lessons or at home.
Is it necessary to use the full greeting, or is a shorter version acceptable?
While saying the full greeting (As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh) is more rewarding, the shorter version (As-salamu Alaikum) is perfectly acceptable and still fulfills the Sunnah.
What should be the tone and demeanor while greeting?
- Greetings should be said warmly and with a smile, reflecting sincerity and kindness.
- Both parents and teachers should model respectful communication to encourage similar behavior in children.
Is there any reward for greeting others in Islam?
Yes, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you something that will make you love one another? Spread peace among yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim)
Greeting others with “As-salamu Alaikum” is considered an act of worship and earns the greeter spiritual rewards.
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