Greeting others with “Salam” holds immense importance in Islam. Derived from the root word “Salaam,” meaning peace, this greeting is not just a formality but a means of spreading peace and goodwill in society. The practice of exchanging greetings is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, with numerous hadiths emphasizing its significance. This article will explore eight essential hadiths that shed light on the etiquettes, virtues, and obligations of greetings in Islam. We will provide detailed explanations, translations in English and Urdu, and insights into how these hadiths promote unity, humility, and respect in Muslim communities.
The Rider Should Greet the Pedestrian First
Hadith Translation (English)
Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“The rider should first greet the pedestrian, and the pedestrian should greet the one who is seated. A smaller group should greet a larger group.”
(Sahih Muslim 5374)
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “يُسَلِّمُ الرَّاكِبُ عَلَى الْمَاشِي وَالْمَاشِي عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ”
(صحيح مسلم 5374)
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“سواری والا پیدل چلنے والے کو سلام کرے، پیدل بیٹھے ہوئے کو سلام کرے، اور چھوٹی جماعت بڑی جماعت کو سلام کرے۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5374)
Explanation
This hadith emphasizes the principles of humility, respect, and consideration for others. The rider, who is in a more elevated position than the pedestrian, is encouraged to greet first. This promotes humility, as the person in a seemingly superior position acknowledges the pedestrian with respect. Likewise, the pedestrian should greet someone seated as a gesture of consideration. The principle that a smaller group should greet a larger group encourages unity and acknowledgement of one another. This teaching reflects the essence of mutual respect and the importance of maintaining harmonious social relationships in daily life.
Key Lessons
- Greeting others, regardless of social or physical position, fosters equality.
- The act of greeting promotes humility and respect.
- A small group greeting a larger group acknowledges community bonds.
Avoid Sitting on the Paths, But Greet if Necessary
Hadith Translation (English)
Abu Talha reported: “While we were sitting in front of the houses and talking amongst ourselves, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) came to us and said: ‘Avoid sitting on the paths. But if you must, then give the paths their due rights: lowering the gaze, responding to greetings, and engaging in good conversation.’”
(Sahih Muslim 5375)
Arabic Text
“عَنْ أَبِي طَلْحَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “اجْتَنِبُوا الْجُلُوسَ عَلَى الطُّرُقَاتِ، فَإِنْ أَبَيْتُمْ إِلَّا الْجُلُوسَ، فَأَعْطُوا الطَّرِيقَ حَقَّهُ، غَضُّ الْبَصَرِ، وَرَدُّ السَّلَامِ وَالْكَلَامُ الطَّيِّبُ”
(صحيح مسلم 5375)“
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
ابو طلحہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“راستوں پر بیٹھنے سے بچو، اور اگر مجبوری ہو تو راستے کا حق ادا کرو: نظر نیچی رکھو، سلام کا جواب دو، اور اچھی بات کرو۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5375)
Explanation
This hadith provides etiquette for occupying public spaces, such as roadsides, which were common gathering spots in ancient societies. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advises avoiding sitting on paths because of the potential disturbance it could cause to passersby. However, if sitting on the paths becomes necessary, the hadith specifies certain obligations: lowering the gaze to avoid inappropriate glances, responding to greetings to maintain civility, and speaking kindly to promote positive interactions. This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in public spaces, contributing to a peaceful and respectful environment.
Key Lessons
- Avoid sitting on pathways to prevent inconvenience to others.
- If necessary, ensure that public spaces are respected by practising Islamic decorum.
- Lowering the gaze, returning greetings, and kind speech are essential social behaviours.
The Rights of a Muslim Upon Another Muslim
Hadith Translation (English)
Abu Huraira reported: “The rights of a Muslim upon another Muslim are five: returning the greeting, saying Yarhamuk Allah when he sneezes, visiting the sick, following the funeral procession, and answering invitations.”
(Sahih Muslim 5378)
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ خَمْسٌ: رَدُّ السَّلَامِ، وَتَشْمِيتُ الْعَاطِسِ، وَعِيَادَةُ الْمَرِيضِ، وَاتِّبَاعُ الْجَنَائِزِ، وَإِجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ”
(صحيح مسلم 5378)
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“مسلمان کے مسلمان پر پانچ حق ہیں: سلام کا جواب دینا، چھینکنے والے کو یرحمک اللہ کہنا، بیمار کی عیادت کرنا، جنازے کے ساتھ جانا، اور دعوت قبول کرنا۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5378)
Explanation
This hadith outlines five fundamental rights that every Muslim has upon another. Returning the greeting is listed first, indicating the importance of acknowledging someone’s goodwill by responding to their salam. This strengthens social bonds and shows mutual respect. The other actions—such as saying “Yarhamuk Allah” when someone sneezes, visiting the sick, attending funeral processions, and answering invitations—also emphasize communal responsibility and care for fellow Muslims. Collectively, these rights highlight the essential elements of Islamic brotherhood and maintaining a supportive, compassionate community.
Key Lessons
- Greeting and responding to greetings are central to Muslim interactions.
- Muslims have obligations toward one another that foster care and support.
- The rights outlined here strengthen community ties and promote unity.
Prohibition of Greeting the People of the Book First
Hadith Translation (English)
Anas bin Malik reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When the People of the Book greet you, you should say: ‘And upon you (Wa ‘Alaikum).’”
(Sahih Muslim 5380)
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِذَا سَلَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ فَقُولُوا وَعَلَيْكُمْ”
(صحيح مسلم 5380)
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“جب اہل کتاب تمہیں سلام کریں تو تم جواب میں کہو: ‘وعلیکم’ (اور تم پر بھی)۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5380)
Explanation
This hadith guides how Muslims should respond to greetings from the People of the Book (i.e., Jews and Christians). While the Prophet (peace be upon him) does not prohibit returning greetings, he instructs that the response should be “Wa ‘Alaikum,” meaning “and upon you.” This ensures that the greeting is reciprocated politely but without an excessive gesture. This hadith reflects Islam’s balanced approach to interfaith interactions, emphasizing respect while maintaining Islamic principles.
Key Lessons
- Muslims should respond to the greetings of non-Muslims with respect, but not initiate it.
- The response “Wa ‘Alaikum” maintains civility while preserving Islamic values.
- This hadith teaches the importance of measured interactions with non-Muslims.
Greeting Children is a Sign of Humility
Hadith Translation (English)
Anas bin Malik reported: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pass by children and greet them.”
(Sahih Muslim 5381)
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُسَلِّمُ عَلَى الصِّبْيَانِ
(صحيح مسلم 5381)
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
“انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم بچوں کو سلام کرتے تھے۔
(صحیح مسلم 5381)”
Explanation
This simple yet profound hadith demonstrates the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) humility and kindness. By greeting children, the Prophet (peace be upon him) not only showed them respect but also taught the community that everyone, regardless of age or status, is deserving of attention and goodwill. This act of greeting children promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging, making even the youngest members of society feel valued and respected.
Key Lessons
- Greeting children fosters inclusivity and respect for all age groups.
- The Prophet’s example of humility sets a standard for Muslims to follow.
- Greeting children promotes a loving and caring society.
Exchanging Greetings Before Asking for Permission
Hadith Translation (English)
Jabir bin Abdullah reported: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘No one of you should meet another until he greets him with Salam. And do not ask for permission until you have exchanged greetings.’”
(Sahih Muslim 5382)
Arabic Text
“عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا يَلْتَقِي أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُسَلِّمَ، وَلا تَسْتَأْذِنُوا حَتَّى تُسَلِّمُوا”
(صحيح مسلم 5382)”
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
“جابر بن عبداللہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا
“تم میں سے کوئی کسی سے نہ ملے جب تک کہ سلام نہ کرے، اور اجازت مانگنے سے پہلے سلام کرو۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5382)”
Explanation
This hadith highlights the proper etiquette of social interactions, specifically regarding the sequence of greeting and asking for permission. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed that Muslims should always greet each other with “Salam” before requesting any further interaction or permission. This greeting serves as an entry point for all social engagements, promoting peace and respect from the outset of every meeting. It ensures that the interaction begins with good intentions and establishes a peaceful and respectful tone.
Key Lessons
- Greetings with “Salam” should precede any requests or interactions.
- Starting a conversation with a greeting ensures mutual respect.
- This hadith promotes the establishment of peaceful social interactions from the outset.
Spread the Greeting to Establish Love
Hadith Translation (English)
“Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah (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 tell you something that, if you do, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of Salam among yourselves.’”
(Sahih Muslim 5383)”
Arabic Text
“عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَوَلا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلامَ بَيْنَكُمْ”
(صحيح مسلم 5383)”
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
“ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“تم جنت میں داخل نہیں ہو گے جب تک ایمان نہ لاؤ، اور تم ایمان نہ لاؤ گے جب تک ایک دوسرے سے محبت نہ کرو۔ کیا میں تمہیں ایسی چیز نہ بتاؤں جس سے تم ایک دوسرے سے محبت کرنے لگو؟ سلام کو پھیلاؤ۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5383)”
Explanation
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlights the relationship between faith, love for fellow Muslims, and the simple act of spreading greetings. He teaches that faith and love are interconnected, and one of the key ways to establish love within the Muslim community is to spread the greeting of Salam. This greeting is not just a formality but a way to foster brotherhood, peace, and affection among believers. By making the greeting a regular practice, Muslims can build strong, loving relationships, which are crucial for true faith and entry into Paradise.
Key Lessons
- Faith and love for fellow Muslims are prerequisites for entering Paradise.
- The greeting of Salam plays a vital role in fostering love and unity.
- Spreading Salam strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and community.
Returning the Greeting is an Obligation
Hadith Translation (English)
“Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘When one of you greets his brother, the other must return the greeting. If he does not return it, he has sinned, but if he returns it within three days, it is forgiven.’”
(Sahih Muslim 5385)”
Arabic Text
“عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِذَا سَلَّمَ أَحَدُكُمْ عَلَى أَخِيهِ فَرَدُّ السَّلامِ وَاجِبٌ عَلَيْهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَرُدَّ عَلَيْهِ، فَقَدْ أَثِمَ، وَإِنْ رَدَّ عَلَيْهِ فِي ثَلاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ، غُفِرَ لَهُ”
(صحيح مسلم 5385)”
Hadith Translation (Urdu)
“ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“جب تم میں سے کوئی اپنے بھائی کو سلام کرے تو دوسرے پر سلام کا جواب دینا واجب ہے۔ اگر وہ جواب نہ دے تو گناہ کا مرتکب ہوگا، لیکن اگر تین دن کے اندر جواب دے تو اس کا گناہ معاف ہو جائے گا۔”
(صحیح مسلم 5385)“
Explanation
This hadith stresses the obligation of returning the greeting. When someone greets you with “Salam,” it is a duty to respond. Failing to return the greeting is considered sinful, though the Prophet (peace be upon him) provides a grace period of three days during which the response can be given without incurring a permanent sin. This hadith highlights the importance of acknowledging others and ensuring that greetings are met with respect and kindness. It reinforces the concept of mutual respect and the significance of greetings in Islamic interactions.
Key Lessons
- Returning the greeting is a religious obligation in Islam.
- Failing to respond to Salam is considered a sin, though there is room for repentance.
- The hadith reinforces the importance of maintaining respect in social interactions.
Conclusion
The practice of exchanging greetings is a core aspect of Islamic social etiquette, reflecting the values of peace, respect, and community. The hadiths discussed in this article provide profound insights into the importance of greeting others, returning greetings, and the role of Salam in fostering love, unity, and humility among Muslims. By adhering to these teachings, Muslims can strengthen their faith, maintain harmonious relationships, and contribute to a peaceful society. In essence, the greeting of Salam is a simple yet powerful act that promotes goodwill and reflects the true spirit of Islam.