Spreading Salam: A Beautiful Sunnah

Authored by: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafizahullah)

Introduction

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed:
"Greet with Salam those whom you know and those whom you do not know."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Asking Permission, Hadith 6236]

Benefits of Greeting with Salam

Greeting with Salam is a hallmark of Islam. Whether the person is known or a stranger, Salam fosters:
Love and Affection: When acquaintances greet one another, it strengthens mutual love and goodwill.
Trust and Goodwill: For strangers, Salam becomes a bridge for establishing relationships and creating a positive atmosphere.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of Salam and mentioned its virtues in various Hadiths.

Hadiths Highlighting the Importance of Salam

  1. Salam as a Path to Jannah:
    The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
    "You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I guide you to an act that will create love among you? Spread Salam among yourselves."
    [Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Hadith 93]
  2. The Muslim's Right to Salam:
    The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
    "A Muslim has a right over another Muslim: that he should greet him with Salam upon meeting."
    [Sahih Muslim, Book of Salam, Hadith 2162]
  3. Repeated Salam in a Single Meeting:
    The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed:
    "When one of you meets his Muslim brother, he should greet him with Salam. If a tree, wall, or stone comes between them and they meet again, he should greet him with Salam once more."
    [Abu Dawood, Book of Manners, Hadith 5200]
  4. Salam to Family Members:
    The Prophet (ﷺ) advised Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ):
    "O son, when you enter your home, greet your family with Salam. It will bring blessings for you and your household."
    [Tirmidhi, Book of Asking Permission, Hadith 2698]

Key Lessons and Insights

  1. Universal Application:
    Salam should be given to everyone—acquaintances and strangers alike—as a sign of unity and goodwill.
  2. Repetition of Salam:
    Even in one meeting, if separated by a barrier and reunited, Salam should be renewed, emphasizing its significance.
  3. Family Bonds:
    Greeting one’s family with Salam strengthens familial ties and brings blessings to the home.

Conclusion

The practice of Salam is a profound way to spread love, foster trust, and build bonds within the Muslim community. By adhering to this beautiful Sunnah, believers can fulfill a social and spiritual duty while earning Allah's blessings.

Allah knows best.
 
Back
Top