Manners of Greeting in Islam

Introduction
A greeting is something that you say or do upon meeting someone or passing by them. In Islam,
the act of greeting holds special significance and is guided by certain etiquettes. The greeting
is not just a social gesture but also an act of ibada (worship) and carries deeper meanings within
the Islamic faith.

The most common way to greet someone in Islam is by saying “Assalamu alaikum” (‫السالم‬
‫)عليكم‬, which translates to “Peace be upon you.” This greeting signifies a wish for peace and
blessings upon the person being greeted. It is a dua (prayer) for the well-being and tranquility
of the individual. Muslims are encouraged to respond with “wa alaikum salaam” (‫)السالم وعليكم‬,
meaning “And upon you be peace,” as a reciprocal gesture of goodwill and blessing.
Additionally, a longer form of the greeting is “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa
barakatuh” (‫)وبركاته هللا ورحمة عليكم السالم‬, which translates to “Peace and mercy of Allah and His
blessings be upon you.”

Islamic manners of greeting emphasize the importance of initiating communication with a

smile, demonstrating a genuine wish for the well-being of the other person, and conveying
openness and friendliness. Greeting is considered an act of worship and a means to strengthen
bonds between Muslims. This practice is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadiths
of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which offer guidance on how to greet others with respect
and sincerity.

The Origin of the Islamic Greeting

Narrated Abu Hurairah (R.A): The Prophet (S.A.W) said,

"Allah created Adam in His Image, sixty cubits (about 30 meters) in height. When He created
him, He said (to him), 'Go and greet that group of angels sitting there, and listen what they will
say in reply to you, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your offspring.' Adam
(went and) said, 'As-Salaamu 'Alaykum (peace be upon you).' They replied, 'As-Salaamu
Alaykum wa Rahmatullah (Peace and Allah's Mercy be on you).' So they increased 'wa
Rahmatullah.' (Sahih Bukhari)
Allah says in the Quran,

“When you enter in your own house, pay salutation to each other, a greeting in Islam with
purity and blessing from Allah, Does Almighty Allah clear the symbol to you which you can
understand.” (Quran 24:61)

This verse verifies the presence of greeting by the words of Almighty Allah.

Prophet Muhammad SAW said that the right of a Muslim to another Muslim is that the greeting
of the Muslims should be replied to.

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:

“There is five right of Muslims over other Muslims, responding to the greeting. When one
sneezes, says Yarhamukumullah, when he wants your proposal, give him the best proposal;
when he becomes ill, visit him; when he dies, participate in his funeral prayer.”

The origin of the Islamic Muslim greeting “As-Salamu Alaikum” (‫ )عليكم السالم‬is deeply rooted
in Islamic teachings and traditions. This greeting is an expression of peace, goodwill, and
blessings that Muslims use when interacting with one another. Here’s some insight into its
origin based on the provided information:

The phrase “As-Salamu Alaikum” is an Arabic greeting that translates to “Peace be upon you.”
It is a reflection of the value of peace and the desire for well-being for one another. This
greeting is commonly used among Muslims to convey respect and goodwill during various
social interactions and exchanges. It is a standard form of greeting that Muslims around the
world use, regardless of their language background.

The word “salam” (‫ )سالم‬itself means “peace” in Arabic. It’s worth noting that the root word
for both “salam” and “Islam” (the religion itself) is the same. This emphasizes the fundamental
importance of peace within the Islamic faith.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages believers to respond to a greeting with one of equal or
greater value:

“When a courteous greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or at
least of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.” (Quran 4:86)

This principle underscores the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful attitude
when interacting with others.
Manners of Greeting
Islamic greetings hold special significance within Muslim communities, reflecting values of
peace, goodwill, and unity. The etiquettes of Muslim greetings, often observed as part of
Islamic manners, are rooted in religious teachings and cultural practices. Here are some key
etiquettes associated with the Islamic greeting:

1. Initiating Greetings
In Islam, greeting one another is encouraged as a means of promoting positive interactions
and fostering a sense of unity within the community. Greetings should be initiated by saying
“As-Salamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you).

Abu Hurairah said,

"Whoever meets his brother should greet him. If a tree or wall comes between them and
then he meets him, he should greet him on the other side." (Bukhari)

2. Greeting with a Smile

Greeting with a smile is a recommended practice as it signals openness, friendliness, and a
genuine desire for well-being. A smiling face can put others at ease and create a positive
atmosphere.

3. Verbal Greeting
The standard Islamic greeting is “As-Salamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you). It can be used
in both formal and informal settings and can be extended to “As-Salamu Alaikum wa
Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh” (peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you) for added
blessings.

4. Responding to the Greeting

It’s important to respond to the greeting with equal or better words. The common response
is “Wa Alaikum As-Salam” (and upon you be peace). This reciprocates the well-wishes
and maintains the cycle of positive interaction.

Al-Bara ibn Azib said,

"Part of the full greeting is to shake your brother's hand.” (Bukhari)

 5. Greeting the Elderly
Islamic teachings emphasize respecting and honoring the elderly. Younger individuals are
encouraged to initiate the greeting when meeting older individuals. This practice
demonstrates the value of seniority.

6. Greeting in Arabic
While the Islamic greeting is in Arabic, it is used by Muslims of all languages around the
world. It’s a unifying factor that transcends linguistic and cultural differences.

7. Greeting While Walking

According to a Hadith, when a walking person greets a seated person, it is a sign of respect
and humility. This practice acknowledges the comfort and convenience of the other person.

8. Greeting when Entering and Leaving

The Islamic greeting is used both when entering a gathering or a room and when leaving.
It is a way of acknowledging others presence and seeking blessings.

9. Greeting during Eid

During the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslims also greet each other
with the same Islamic greeting, emphasizing the spirit of celebration and unity.

These etiquettes of Muslim greetings reflect the values of respect, kindness, and unity that
Islam promotes. By adhering to these etiquettes, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to
fostering positive relationships and strengthening the bonds within their communities.

Greet First in Islam

According to the prophetic narration, Abu Huraira reported that prophet Muhammed (S.A.W)
said:

“The rider should first greet the pedestrian, and the pedestrian the one who is seated, and a
small group should greet a larger group (with As-Salam-u-Alaikum).”

When Should We Not Say Salam

We shouldn’t say Salam if the others are busy with different actions like talking, remembering
Allah, studying Fiqh, calling to prayer, fighting in a war, performing ablution, and praying etc.
In turn, Muslims shouldn’t reply to Salam when they aren’t available to reply in several
instances such as eating, drinking, praying, reciting the Quran, calling to prayer, and studying.

Conclusion
Knowing Islamic greetings is one of the basics of Islamic terminologies that we as Muslims
need while dealing with Muslims. Greeting reflect values of peace, goodwill, and unity.
Learning Arabic and Quran will let us discover how Muslims thank Allah or someone, say
Allah Hafiz, make dua, and wish luck. Also, we should understand the meaning of Arabic and
Islamic phrases like Mashaaallah, Subhanallah, Ameen, and Inshallah. Greeting help in
socializing which tends to lead build friendship with other and this is great demand of our
society. We should develop the habit of greeting it in our daily life and encourage other.
 Manners of Visiting Sick in Islam

Introduction
Visiting the sick is the right of a Muslim over his fellow Muslim. It strengthens brotherhood
and helps to psychologically reduce the pain of the sick. When visiting the sick, ensure you are
not burdening the patient, or visiting at an inappropriate time. Try to raise their spirits and
remind them of how being sick helps to wipe away one’s sins and increase one’s ranks in the
sight of Allah (subḥanahu wa tala).

Islam invites to all that is good and warns from all that is bad. From those good and virtuous
deeds is the visiting of the ill and afflicted. When people visit each other while they are in good
health, bonds of brotherhood and friendship are strengthened. But when they visit each other
in times of sickness and poor or failing health, their brotherhood grows even more.

Illustrating the empathy that Muslims are required to feel for each other,

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:

“The parable of the believers in their mutual love and mercy is like that of a living body: If one
part of it feels pain, the whole body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.” (Muslim)

Visiting the sick is one of the clearest signs of such mutual love, mercy and empathy. Indeed,
it is also a duty that Muslims are required to fulfill, in adherence to the following hadith in
which the Prophet reportedly said:

“The rights of a Muslim over another Muslim are six. When you meet him, you greet him with
the salaam; when he invites you, you accept his invitation; when he consults you in a matter,
you give him sincere advice; when he sneezes and praises Allah, you ask Allah to have mercy
on him; when he is sick, you visit him; and when he passes away, you follow his
funeral.”(Bukhari)

While visiting the sick is regarded as a social obligation of one believer upon the other, this act
can have countless spiritual benefits for the visitor himself too.
The reward of visiting the sick is immense. The Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬said:

“When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim in the morning, 70,000 angels constantly pray for him
till the evening. If he visits him in the evening, 70,000 angels constantly pray for him till the
morning; and he will have (his share of) reaped fruits in Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

In another hadith, he said:

“Whosoever visits a sick person or visits his brother for the sake of Allah, a heavenly caller
calls out: ‘You have done well; your walking is good and blessed, and you have built a mansion
in Paradise!’” (Tirmidhi)

Health is the greatest blessing bestowed by Allah SWT upon His servants. However, as
humans, we are not exempt from trials and tribulations, one of which is illness. In Islam,
visiting the sick is not only a duty but also comes with etiquette that must be followed to attain
blessings and benevolence. Let’s delve deeper into the manners of visiting the sick in Islam
and how the act of giving charity can bring blessings and healing.

Manners of Visiting the Sick

1. Sincere Intention
Before any action, intention is the primary key in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said,

“Indeed, actions are judged by intentions.”(Bukhari and Muslim).

When intending to visit the sick, do so with the genuine intent to provide encouragement,
courage, and sincere prayers so that healing may be swiftly granted by Allah SWT.

2. Choosing the Appropriate Time

The etiquette of visiting the sick also includes choosing the right time.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said,

“One should visit their sick brother in the morning or in the evening.” (Muslim).

Ensure the time you choose does not disrupt the patient’s rest and does not coincide with prayer
times or other activities.
 3. Praying for Healing
Upon arriving at the sick person’s location, offer a sincere prayer and ask for healing from
Allah SWT.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said,

“Two prayers that are not rejected are the prayer of the oppressed and the prayer of the one
visiting a sick brother.” (Al-Hakim).

4. Speaking Gently
When visiting the sick, it’s crucial to speak gently and carefully.

Allah SWT says,

“And tell my servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them.
Indeed, Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” (QS. Al-Isra: 53).

Avoid discussing topics that may cause the patient to worry or become stressed.

5. Bringing Gifts or Fruits

As a gesture of care, bringing gifts or fruits when visiting the sick can bring them joy.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said,

“Feed the hungry and greet those you know and those you do not know.” (Bukhari).

This also shows your concern for their condition.

6. Maintaining Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is crucial when planning to visit the sick.

Allah SWT says,

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify
themselves.” (QS. At-Taubah: 108).

Ensure you wash your hands and wear clean clothes to avoid bringing germs or viruses that
could endanger the patient.
 7. Give them hope and raise their morale
Falling ill can have a detrimental effect on one’s mental health. Many people lose hope and
stop fighting for life. It is our job as their visitors or well-wishers to raise their morale. Even if
their condition is critical, we still need to give them hope. This act of ours has the capacity to
lead them to recovery, as in many illnesses like cancer, the will-power of the patient plays a
vital role. But even if us making them hopeful doesn’t have any physical effects, it will
undoubtedly have a positive effect on their soul.

Prophet Muhammad (S) has said:

“When you come to a sick person then, fill them with hope and life. Surely, that will change
nothing, but it relieves the soul of the sick”.

Benefits of Visiting Sick

In Islam, visiting the sick holds great significance and is considered a virtuous act with
numerous benefits, both spiritually and socially. Here are some of the benefits of visiting the
sick in Islam:

Fulfilling a Religious Duty: Visiting the sick is considered a commendable act in Islam and
is often encouraged as it reflects compassion, empathy, and care for fellow human beings. It is
seen as fulfilling the Islamic obligation of showing kindness and mercy to others.

Following the Sunnah: Visiting the sick is in line with the teachings and practices of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized the importance of caring for the sick and
offering them comfort and support. Following the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of the
Prophet) is highly regarded in Islam.

Earning Reward: It is believed that visiting the sick brings numerous rewards and blessings
from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "There is
no Muslim who visits a sick Muslim early in the morning but seventy thousand angels send
blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand
angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in Paradise."
(Tirmidhi)

Expressing Sympathy and Empathy: Visiting the sick allows one to express genuine
sympathy and empathy towards the suffering individual. It shows that one cares about their
well-being and is willing to offer support during difficult times.
Strengthening Bonds: Visiting the sick fosters a sense of community and solidarity among
believers. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood by demonstrating mutual care
and concern for one another's welfare.

Providing Comfort and Hope: For the sick person, the visitation provides emotional support,
comfort, and hope. It reminds them that they are not alone in their struggle and that there are
people who care about them and pray for their recovery.

Conclusion
Overall, visiting the sick in Islam is not only a religious duty but also a noble act of compassion
and kindness that brings spiritual rewards and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and
sisterhood and Give the sick hope of recovery. It help the sick in healing fast and giving gift to
the sick person while visiting him can bring them joy. We should visit our sick brother or sister
as a noble act or being Muslim.