As-Salamu'Alaikum

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) it is related that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

“I swear by the one in whose hand lies my soul that you will not enter paradise until you believe. And you shall not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something, that if you practice it you will love another? Spread the (salam) Islamic greeting amongst yourselves.”

[Muslim]

Imagine the impact on a visit to a masjid with the knowledge that others around us were genuinely interested in our life, our concerns and wellbeing. What could be the impact if each person we met became sincerely interested in us, declaring peace upon us and happily receiving a declaration of peace back from us. What if our intention and actions remained consistent only to enhance this mutual declaration of peace. What would be the impact if every encounter was in this manner, on our lives, on our relationships, on our families and our communities.

Peace be upon you all ; Islam is the means to bring peace to all.

“But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a

greeting from Allah (i.e. say: As-Salamu'Alaikum - peace be on

you)” [Surah an-Noor 61]

'As-Salamu'Alaikum' is most commonly used in the Muslim world as the Muslim equivalent of hello or hi.

However, the greeting 'As-Salamu'Alaikum' has a very specific and deep meaning and intention. 'As-Salamu'Alaikum'is a Declaration Of Peace upon another and it is well known as essential that one replies to a greeting of 'As-Salamu'Alaikum' with a similar greeting - Wa alaikum salaam - with this the peace declaration is returned to us.

“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what

is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Certainly, Allah is

Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things.” [Surah an-Nisa 86]

To declare peace onto another is the expression of a profound interest in the current state of the other person, it is much more than just a greeting. 'As-Salamu'Alaikum' implies that we are able to have a profound impact on the life of others in our everyday encounters , by declaring peace upon them is declaring that we have the best of intentions, salaam is returned as wa alaikum salaam, this best intention of peace is therefore returned.

To express interest into another person's state starts as an enquiry into the other persons condition; knowing that we, as individuals, have an impact with every single encounter with another person is profound. We often consider ourselves and indeed others as so insignificant that we act or behave as if we are invisible or even non-existent . The declaration of 'As-Salamu'Alaikum'and the receipt of the response wa alaikum salaam is a declaration that we exist, it recognises that we do have a profound impact on one another and that we are able to effect peace on another's life.

So how could this work?

The first stage into creating peace for another person is to be sincerely engaged and interested in the life of the other person. This does not mean, necessarily, that we should stop and enquire about what is happening in the life of another person, however to look at the person and be present to how they appear; their posture, facial expression, level of eye contact and even the manner in which they are dressed etc, all of this can be considered unspoken communication and generally a guide on the person's current state or condition.

We have become accustomed not to engage in this way with another person. More often we pass with a cursory glance, a cursory handshake or a cursory Hello, Hi or 'As-Salamu'Alaikum'.