❀ Difference Between “As-Salamu Alaikum” and “Salam Alaikum” – Correct Islamic Greeting ❀
📚 Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah – Volume 3 – Miscellaneous Issues – Page 278
❖ Question
The Qur’ān uses the phrase “سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ“.
Similarly, in Sahih Ibn Hibban, the same words appear, as cited by Imam Dimyāti in Al-Mutahabbir al-Rābiḥ.
The question is: Most people say “Salam Alaikum” to greet one another, while most Hadiths regarding greetings mention “As-Salamu Alaikum”.
Imam Nawawi (رحمه الله) also compiled many such Hadiths in Riyadh al-Salihin.
❖ Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد
✅ “As-Salamu Alaikum” is preferable and more correct, as it is established through multiple authentic Hadiths.
(For example: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6227, Sahih Muslim: 2841/7163)
✔ “Salam Alaikum” is also correct, as it is found in the Qur’ān, such as:
- Surah al-Anʿām: 54
- Surah al-Aʿrāf: 46
- Surah az-Zumar: 73
Additionally, the Qur’ān includes the words “Salām” and “Salāman”, such as in:
- Surah Hūd: 69
📌 However, “Salam Alaikum” with “م” having a ḍammah (i.e. “مُ”) does not appear in any verse or Hadith.
Nor has it been narrated from the Salaf al-Sāliḥīn (righteous predecessors).
Therefore, one should not say “Salām Alaikum” with this incorrect pronunciation.
Rather, it is best and Sunnah to say “As-Salamu Alaikum”.
✿ Important Reminders
① Greeting with Salām is a Sunnah, and responding to it is obligatory (wājib/farḍ).
② The reply must also be given in a proper and complete manner.
For example:
- “As-Salamu Alaikum” → Response: “Wa Alaikum as-Salām wa Rahmatullāh”
- At the very least: “Wa Alaikum as-Salām”
③ Those who merely nod their heads or respond without the proper Sunnah words are gravely mistaken and even sinful.
✔ Benefit
❀ Whoever says: “As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakātuh” will receive thirty rewards.
(Refer to: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 5195, chain is ḥasan; Sunan al-Tirmidhī: 2689, graded ḥasan ṣaḥīḥ gharīb)
🗓️ (20th November 2010)
هٰذَا مَا عِنْدِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
