The phrase “salam” refers to the Islamic greeting “As-Salamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you), which holds significant spiritual, social, and moral benefits in Islam. Below are the key benefits (fayde) of saying salam in Islam, supported by authentic references from the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly insights:
1. Spreading Peace and Love
- Benefit: Saying salam fosters peace, love, and harmony among Muslims, creating a sense of brotherhood and goodwill.
- Reference:
- Quran: “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:86)
- Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you something which, if you do, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace (salam) among yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 96)
- Explanation: This act promotes a peaceful and loving community, aligning with the Quranic emphasis on spreading peace.
2. Spreading Salam is tthe Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)
- Benefit: Offering salam is a Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet (PBUH), earning spiritual rewards for following his example.
- Reference:
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When one of you meets his brother, he should greet him with salam.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 79, Hadith 6)
- Explanation: By adhering to this Sunnah, Muslims gain closeness to Allah and the Prophet’s teachings.
3.Spreading Salam is Earning Allah’s Blessings and Rewards
- Benefit: Saying salam is an act of worship that brings blessings and multiplies rewards.
- Reference:
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a man greets his brother with salam, Allah writes ten good deeds for him, and if he responds, Allah writes ten good deeds for him.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 6, Hadith 857, graded Hasan)
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “The one who initiates the salam is free from arrogance.” (Shu‘ab al-Iman by Al-Bayhaqi, Hadith 8459)
- Explanation: Initiating salam is a virtuous act that earns divine rewards and protects against negative traits like pride.
4. Spreading Salam Strengthening Brotherhood and Unity
- Benefit: Salam strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, fostering unity and mutual respect among Muslims.
- Reference:
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Offer food generously to others, and spread the greeting of peace (salam), so that you may attain righteousness.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 16563, graded Sahih)
- Explanation: This practice reinforces the Islamic principle of treating others as part of a unified Ummah (community).
5. Protection from Harm and Evil
- Benefit: Salam is a supplication for peace and protection, safeguarding both the greeter and the recipient from harm.
- Reference:
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When one of you enters a house, let him say salam, for it brings blessings to the house and keeps away the Shaytan (Satan).” (Sahih Muslim, Book 24, Hadith 5237)
- Explanation: The greeting acts as a spiritual shield, invoking Allah’s protection.
6. Encouraging Humility and Good Manners
- Benefit: Initiating salam reflects humility and good character, as it shows respect and care for others.
- Reference:
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The younger should greet the older, the one who is passing should greet the one who is sitting, and the smaller group should greet the larger group.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 79, Hadith 3)
- Explanation: This teaches Muslims to prioritize humility and respect in social interactions.
7. Spreading Salam is a Means to Enter Jannah (Paradise)
- Benefit: Spreading salam is a characteristic of the people of Paradise and a means to attain it.
- Reference:
- Quran: “Their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace (Salam)!’ And the last of their call will be, ‘Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!'” (Surah Yunus 10:10)
- Hadith: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Spread the greeting of peace, feed the hungry, maintain kinship ties, and pray at night while people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise in peace.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 36, Hadith 3251, graded Sahih)
- Explanation: Salam aligns with the qualities of the righteous, preparing one for eternal peace in Jannah.
Practical Etiquettes of Salam (Based on Hadith)
- Who Initiates: The younger greets the elder, the passerby greets the sitting, and the smaller group greets the larger (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 79, Hadith 3).
- Response: Respond with an equal or better greeting, e.g., “Wa Alaikum As-Salam wa Rahmatullah” (And upon you be peace and Allah’s mercy) (Surah An-Nisa 4:86).
- When to Say: Greet when meeting, parting, or entering a gathering or home (Sahih Muslim, Book 24, Hadith 5237).
- Universal Greeting: The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged greeting both those you know and those you don’t (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 79, Hadith 12).
Scholarly Insights
- Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani: In Fath al-Bari, he explains that spreading salam is a sign of true faith, as it reflects sincerity and goodwill.
- Imam Nawawi: In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, he emphasizes that salam is a communal obligation (fard kifayah) in gatherings, encouraging widespread practice to strengthen community ties.
Conclusion
The act of saying “As-Salamu Alaikum” is a simple yet profound practice in Islam with immense spiritual, social, and moral benefits. It promotes peace, earns rewards, strengthens bonds, and reflects the humility and manners of a true Muslim. By following this Sunnah, Muslims can embody the values of Islam and contribute to a harmonious society, all while gaining Allah’s pleasure and a path to Jannah.