How to Give the Full Islamic Greeting

Greeting in Islamic cultures is a religious practice.

A formal Islamic greeting is more than traditional; it is a sign of respect, of peace and of religious obedience. The most common full Islamic greetings show that those who are meeting, whether friends, family members or strangers, are of like mind and mean no harm to one another. Rules for greeting others are even available in the Quran, in Surah an-Bur; 4:86, which states the following: "When a greeting is offered you, answer it with an even better greeting, or at least with its like. God keeps count of all things."

Instructions

1. Practice saying the words "assalamu alaikum," which is pronounced "sah-lah-moo ah-lay-kum." These words mean "peace be upon you," and is the standard way to greet someone of the Islamic religion. This greeting is offered first.

2. Practice pronouncing the reply to a greeting, such as "'Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatu Allah," which is pronounced "Wah-ah-lay-kum sah-lam wah rah-mah-too Ah-lah." This means "and to you be peace together with God's mercy." This is an acceptable reply to an Islamic greeting.

3. Rehearse saying the phrase "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh wa maghfiratuh wa tayyib salawatih." This can be used in reply to the greeting "'Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatu Allah," though it is not as common as the first two greetings.

References

• Muslim Tents: Salaam - The Islamic Greeting by Adil Salahi