Authored by: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafizahullah)
"Greet with Salam those whom you know and those whom you do not know."
– [Sahih Bukhari, Book of Asking Permission, Hadith 6236]
① Love and Affection: When acquaintances greet one another, it strengthens mutual love and goodwill.
② 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.
Allah knows best.
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:① Love and Affection: When acquaintances greet one another, it strengthens mutual love and goodwill.
② 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
- 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] - 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] - 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] - 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
- Universal Application:
Salam should be given to everyone—acquaintances and strangers alike—as a sign of unity and goodwill. - Repetition of Salam:
Even in one meeting, if separated by a barrier and reunited, Salam should be renewed, emphasizing its significance. - 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.