The beginning of Salaam - The Islamic greeting

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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, "When Allah created Adam (AS), He said to him: `Go and greet that company of angels who are sitting there - and then listen to what they are going to say in reply to your greetings because that will be your greeting and your off-spring's.' Adam (AS) said to the angels: `As-Salaamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from harm).' They replied: `As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullah (may you be safe from harm, and may Mercy of Allah be upon you).' Thus adding in reply to him: `warahmatullah (and Mercy of Allah)' to his greeting.''

[narrated by Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

The Islamic form of greeting - As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from harm) - has been in existence since the days of Prophet Adam (AS). According to some Ahadith, it is better to add in response: wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu (and the Mercy and Blessings of Allah).

Article taken (with Thanks) from Darul-Ihsan Research and Education Center