THE ART OF GREETING
In all cultures and languages there is a form, manner and word associated with greeting. Ranging from the way we greet our friends to the respect involved when greeting our elders. Greeting is more than a word; the best of greetings includes love, warmth and respect. The importance of greeting is reflected in the manner in which all cultures have invested in their form of greeting.
The best of greetings is that which is in the Quran and Allah (SWT) taught Adam (AS).
“But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah (i.e. say As-Salam alaykum) blessed and good.” (Q24:61)
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Q4:86)
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: the prophet (SAW) said, “when Allah created Adam (AS), He said to him: ‘Go and greet that company of angels who are sitting there – and then listen to what they are going to say in reply to your greetings because that will be your greeting and your offspring’s. Adam (AS) said to the angels: As Salam alaykum (may you be safe from evil). They replied: As Salam alaykum wa rahmatullah (may you be safe from evil, and mercy of Allah be upon you). Thus adding in reply to him: ‘wa rahmatullah’ to his greeting.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The inadequacy of greetings such as hi, hello and good morning is evident in the meaning of As Salam alaykum. By spreading the greetings of Salam we would also be following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and gaining reward Insha’Allah.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: the messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “By Him in whose Hand is my life! You would not enter Jannah until you believe, and you would not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something which, if you do, you will love one another? Promote greetings amongst yourselves.” (Muslim)
The ayah of the Quran (Q4:86) shows the obligation of the person who receives the greeting of salam to respond with something similar or better i.e. they could say wa alaykum salam or make it longer by saying wa alaykum salam waramatullah wabarakatuhu.
So go forward with a smile and a blessed greeting.
In all cultures and languages there is a form, manner and word associated with greeting. Ranging from the way we greet our friends to the respect involved when greeting our elders. Greeting is more than a word; the best of greetings includes love, warmth and respect. The importance of greeting is reflected in the manner in which all cultures have invested in their form of greeting.
The best of greetings is that which is in the Quran and Allah (SWT) taught Adam (AS).
“But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah (i.e. say As-Salam alaykum) blessed and good.” (Q24:61)
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Q4:86)
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: the prophet (SAW) said, “when Allah created Adam (AS), He said to him: ‘Go and greet that company of angels who are sitting there – and then listen to what they are going to say in reply to your greetings because that will be your greeting and your offspring’s. Adam (AS) said to the angels: As Salam alaykum (may you be safe from evil). They replied: As Salam alaykum wa rahmatullah (may you be safe from evil, and mercy of Allah be upon you). Thus adding in reply to him: ‘wa rahmatullah’ to his greeting.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The inadequacy of greetings such as hi, hello and good morning is evident in the meaning of As Salam alaykum. By spreading the greetings of Salam we would also be following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and gaining reward Insha’Allah.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: the messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “By Him in whose Hand is my life! You would not enter Jannah until you believe, and you would not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something which, if you do, you will love one another? Promote greetings amongst yourselves.” (Muslim)
The ayah of the Quran (Q4:86) shows the obligation of the person who receives the greeting of salam to respond with something similar or better i.e. they could say wa alaykum salam or make it longer by saying wa alaykum salam waramatullah wabarakatuhu.
So go forward with a smile and a blessed greeting.
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