Fatwa ID: 07486
Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad
Question:
What is the definition of Islamic Greeting and what has been the meaning of being a well-wisher in human-to-human relationships?
- I noticed the Islamic Greeting caution on the notice board in different mosques (attached for ready reference) in my beloved country. Those 4 words are described as saying Curse to other fellow human beings. I am working as an Industrial Consultant, used to travel around different industrial cities in my beloved country. The point of concern is that, in 77 years, relevant personnel were not been able to teach the people of our beloved country as to how to greet in human-to-human relationships on Islamic Principles.
All relevant personnel should bring out character building measures in it’s true spirit, rather keeping fairy-tale things around Islamic Principles. By doing so, we will be able to be developed as Civilized Nation on the face of the Earth.
All policy makers and implementers should work on such matters collectively and devise a strategy with a true spirit of What is Right and What is Wrong. In my beloved country, Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony and Ministry of Education are the pillars of subject matter.
I am contacting your office, considering your institution’s vast knowledge and existence in our world, on Islamic Principles. I believe, we are living in the 21st Century, and our world has become a global village NOW, where sharing of knowledge has become more convenient. Can you please share your consent as what significance and impact Islamic Greeting has in human-to-human relationships?
And what is the reality of those 4 types described in the attached document, and also provide related references from Quran and/or Sunnah. I am planning to write a research paper on this subject matter, and your participation on providing guidelines will be highly appreciated. After all, it is about keeping the balance of momentum in Civilization Evolution and suggesting Corrective Action Plan.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The Islamic greeting, “As-Salamu Alaikum,” is more than just a simple salutation. It means, “Peace be upon you,” and its essence reflects goodwill, safety, and a sincere desire for peace towards the other person.
This greeting is a profound aspect of Muslim interactions, rooted in the desire to spread peace, as commanded in the Quran and Sunnah.
The greeting of peace is explicitly mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah, demonstrating its centrality in Islamic ethics and human relationships:
In the Quran, Allah says:
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.” (Quran 4:86)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of spreading the greeting of peace:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salaam (the greeting of peace) among you.” (Sahih Muslim, 54)
This hadith highlights the connection between greetings, love, and faith, suggesting that establishing a culture of greeting is integral to a harmonious and just society. The greeting fosters unity, trust, and a peaceful relationship, making it a fundamental part of Islamic character building.
Well-Wishing in Human-to-Human Relationships:
In Islam, being a well-wisher is a reflection of brotherhood and unity:
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
(Sahih Bukhari, 13)
This encompasses all human-to-human interactions, urging Muslims to approach others with good intentions, empathy, and a sincere desire for their well-being. The Islamic greeting is an embodiment of this well-wishing, initiating every interaction with peace and positivity.
Only Allah Knows Best.
Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُمْ بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا [النساء:86
: حديث أبي هريرة -رضي الله تعالى عنه- قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: لا تدخلون الجنةَ حتى تُؤمنوا، ولا تُؤمنوا حتى تحابّوا، ألا أدلّكم على شيءٍ إذا فعلتُموه تحاببتم؟ أفشوا السلامَ بينكم
رواه مسلم
عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه خادم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : ( لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه ) ، رواه البخاري ومسلم .
