Etiquettes of Salaam

Dear Muslim Brothers and Sister;

Muslims exchanging salam to each other is farz and replying back is also farz, but apart from this we hardly know few other things related to exchanging salam’s here we go!!!!

Hakimul Ummat Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Rahmatullahi Allai in his book Aadabul Muaasharaat has mentioned the following etiquettes of Salaam:-

•   In a gathering where a talk or discussion is taking place, the person entering should not draw attention to himself by making salaam. He should not interfere in the talk. He should lower his gaze and silently sit down. When later the opportunity arises, he should make Salaam.

• Adopt the practice of mutual salaam. Whenever meeting a Muslim, say: Assalamualaikum. In reply say Walaikumus Salaam. All other ways are baseless.

• When a person conveys the Salaams of another to you, reply: Alayhim Wa Alaikumus Salaam. This is best. If someone replies: Walaikumus Salaam, It will also suffice.

• One person of the group making Salaam will be representative of the whole group. His Salaam will be adequate on behalf of the group. Similarly, if from the gathering one person replied, it will suffice on behalf of the whole gathering.

• The one initiates the Salaam obtains greater thawaab (reward).

• When replying to the Salaam of a person, the Salaam should be made verbally, not by a sign of the hand or a nod of the head.

• Better repayment for a favour will be when the repayment is somewhat more than the act of favour rendered. Thus, the reply should be more than the Salaam (greeting). If Assalamualaikum was said, the better reply will be Walaikumus Salaam Warahmatullah. Wa Barakaatuhu is also added it will be an added merit.

•  It is Wajib (obligatory) to reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter. This reply may be in writing or verbally.  

• The Fuqaha have said that in a reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter, one may say Alaikumus Salaam or even Assalamu Alaikum.

• In a letter in which a dua is written, the Salaam should be written first since this is the sunnah method.

• Instead of writing or saying the Salaam, to say any other term or to adopt the greeting of any other community is bidah. Such an alien greeting is in fact alteration of the Shariah.

• A person who is engrossed in a conversation or in some work should not be greeted. The new-comer should not intrude with his hand-shaking. Such an act is uncultured and causes distress to others.  

• It is Makrooh (Abominable - disliked) to greet a person involved in deeni or natural activity. Thus, to make Salaam to a person eating is Makrooh while it is not Makrooh (Abominable - disliked) to engage in conversation while eating.

•  It is not permissible to bow and make salaam.  

• Before entering a house or any place of privacy it is necessary to seek permission. Do not enter without permission.

• Stand outside and proclaim the Salaam, then ask permission in any language. Use such terms which convey the full meaning. However, as far as the Salaam itself is concerned only the terms of Shariahshould be used.

• When answering the call of nature neither reply to anyone’s Salaam nor offer Salaam.

• On promising to convey a person’s Salaam it becomes wajib to do so, otherwise not.

• When making Salaam to elders adopt a low voice. Do not express your self in such terms which convey arrogance or disrespect.

The other points to be considered are:-

·        We must not say salam to a person when busy with spouse.

·        We must not say salam to a nude person

·        Salam must not be said to a person when he/ she is involved in playing any futile games like chess etc

·        Salam must not be said to young women who is not a Marham. 

·        Do not immediatly pick up the call and tell salam as u dont know who is at the opposite end, wait to know that the caller is muslim and then say salam,

·        But if a non-Muslim greet with Salaam, we should reply by saying, 'Salaamun `Alaa manittaba`a al Hudaa  (May Salaam be upon those who follow guidance).

May ALLAH guide us and show the right path to do things which pleases him and to avoid things which might provoke his anger, May we all do best for our Aakhira AMEEN