As prophet (PBUH) said, ‘O mankind! You are blessed with such a respectful and holy month. A Nafl (non-obligatory) prayer is honored as much as Farz (obligatory) prayer. And a Farz prayer is honored 70 times more.’ So let’s join together to make this our sole motive, giving all our effort in serving the humanity, and purify our mind and soul.

We want to make this Ramadan of 2019, memorable by spreading the vibration of peace, saying salam before the other/ first.

The Eternal Verses Wishing Peace

Assalamu Alaikum- a really simple statement! But it contains such an enormous blessing for the person that it is said to- wishing him/her with peace. It is the blessing in the statement that allows it to exceed the limit of time, belief or place. And therefore, it has the power to be accepted by all, by wishing the well being of others. And so the likelihood of the sustainability of Salam is far better than the meaningless western greeting- “Hello”.

Salam : Appreciated by both Allah and His Prophets

Allah likes the exchange of Salam. He has said His Salam towards His Prophets as well. His first sentence towards Prophet (PBUH) in the holy Meraj was- ‘Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhan Nabiyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu’. He has also promised to say Salam to His believers, ‘When the believers meet with their Creator they shall be greeted/welcomed with Salam.’ [Surah Ahzab : 44] 

Saying Salam is Sunnah. The most said statement during Prophet’s (PBUH) life was Salam. A Hadith of Musnad Ahmad says that Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Always say Salam (say salam on the first chance you get). You shall receive peace and security.’

What Does Quran Say about Salam!

“And peace (Salam) is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive." [Surah Maryam : 33]

“Noah had called upon Us (earlier). See, how excellent We were in answering him! We delivered him and his household from the great calamity; and made his offspring the only ones to survive, and We established for him a good name among posterity. Peace be upon (Salam) Noah among all the nations.” [Surah Saffat : 75-79]

“Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations: "Peace upon (Salam) Abraham." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.” [Surah Saffat : 106-110]

“Indeed the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation - … [And] "Peace (Salam)," a word from a Merciful Lord.” [Surah Yasin : 55-58]

“Say, [O Muhammad], "Praise be to Allah, and peace upon (Salam) His servants whom He has chosen. Is Allah better or what they associate with Him?” [Surah Naml : 59]

“Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham? -When they entered upon him and said, "[We greet you with] peace." He answered, "[And upon you] peace (Salam), [you are] a people unknown.” [Surah Dhariyat : 24-25]

“It was said, "O Noah, disembark in peace (Salam) from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you.” [Surah Hud : 48]

Salam is for Everyone!

One time few Sahabis including Abdullah Ibne Amr were sitting together, when a man came to them and asked Prophet (PBUH), ‘What is the best act of Islam?’ Prophet (PBUH) replied, ‘To say Salam to everyone whether they are familiar or not! And the second best act is to feed the unfed.’

It is quite difficult to find someone who is ‘unfed’ these days! Besides, it’s also quite difficult to understand if someone is unfed. However, saying Salam is easy because there are always people around to receive it. Therefore, you can say Salam to everyone regardless of their status, gender, religion or familiarity; but make sure to understand the situation/atmosphere before you do so! After saying “Shukr Alhamdulillah” in the morning when you wake up, start your day by saying Salam to first person you see.

Be the First to Say Salam

It is important to say Salam first. The one who would say Salam first would be a step ahead in the path of Sadaka, of compassion and wellbeing. A hadith regarding this states- One who is the closest to Allah is the one who precedes other with Salam. And so no one could say Salam to Prophet (PBUH) before he did; he always managed to say it before others.

Say Salam to Children

A misconception regarding Salam is- children should say Salam to the elders first; while the elders shall receive the Salam.

It should actually be the other way around. That’s when they learn to say Salam. For example, say Salam to the first person who opens the door when you get to your home. And then the people you meet afterwards, including kids. This would make the kid feel honored, which would help him show respect and honor to you as well.

After few days you won’t be able to precede with the Salam anymore, the kid would do it first! Actually, many times we complain that the children are becoming mannerless, doesn’t greet or say Salam to anyone; but have we ever wondered where exactly would he learn to say Salam! He can only learn when he would receive it from you. Since you didn’t say it, he couldn’t learn it either.

Prophet (PBUH) always preceded in saying Salam to kids as well.

Overcome Your Hesitation

Well, the problem with us, these days, is that we prefer to receive Salam than initiating it! We keep on waiting for the other person to say it first while we’d just nod. We even feel reluctant to say the full sentence!

This should not be the case. The Salam should be offered with clarity, with proper pronunciation. Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith, ‘Say to your brother that you love him.’

We pray for the peace of the other person through Salam. What could be any better way than this to wish for the wellbeing of other! Therefore, when you offer Salam to the other make sure to say it with clarity : Assalamu Alaikum.

We must be able to overcome hesitation, especially when it comes to doing good for the other. When people can say such bad, obscene words for others, why can’t we say the words of peace with confident and clarity!

Always Say Salam

Say Salam while leave home, entering home and also before sleeping!

‘...But when you enter houses, give greetings of peace upon (Salam) each other - a greeting from Allah, blessed and good. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses [of ordinance] that you may understand.’ [Surah Nur : 61]

Say Salam while bidding farewell to someone. There is no objection for saying Salam even while you are eating. When you are entering someone’s place, say Salam and ask their permission before going in.

‘O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and say Salam to their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded.’ [Surah Nur : 27]

Say Salam Correctly, with Clarity

Say Salam correctly- say Assalamu Alaikum! When someone says Salam to you, respond to them with a smile and further compassion, saying ‘Walaikum Salam’. It is wajib (necessary) to reply to Salam.

‘And when you are greeted with Salam, say Salam [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.’ [Surah Nisa : 86]

‘…The stingiest are those who are miserly with making Salam [i.e. Say Salam first or replying to Salam]” [Al-Hadith (Ibne Hibban, As-Sahih: 601)]

Various Benefits of Salam

Salam isn’t just limited to greeting one another but has various use and many benefits. Some are given below :

· Want some peace in your life- then say Salam. Praying for the peace of others will bring peace to you as well.

· To get rid of the hesitation or insecurity- say Salam. Salam helps increase confidence.

· For eliminating arrogance, say Salam. Salam raises your gratitude towards the Creator and its creations.

· Salam helps to become well-mannered and modest. It raises respect towards the other while reducing the tendency to backbite.

· Want to introduce yourself to new people? The easiest way is Salam.

· To make a positive impression among all, practice Salam, at your workplace. Say Salam to everyone including your subordinates- that would increase their dedication.

· If you get rid of misunderstandings in a relationship, just start with Salam and a big smile- that can remove any possible conflict, giving the relationship a new rhythm.

· Salam helps to eradicate earlier enmity, envy, anger and conflict and create a new good relationship.

· Salam can calm any serious situation. Say Salam to someone who has become angry or excited. That could help him calm down.

· Compete with children to say Salam first! This would help them become well-behaved.

· When a doctor says Salam to a patient before hearing him out, this increases the patient’s trust in him, which in turn might help him to recover faster.

· To increase the peace, emotional attachment and compassion within the family, say Salam. This would bless the family.

· Salam is a very powerful autosuggestion. Therefore, the continuous chanting of Salam can bring peace to the whole atmosphere.

· The exchange of Salam increases affection and love within any relationship. And you’d be able to make place in others’ hearts easily, by giving them the necessary attention.

Conclusion

Salam! It might sound like just a small petty statement, but contains a full blessing/prayer for the other. It is a wish towards the other for peace and well being. And, in order to fill our country, our nation with peace and prosperity, let’s preach the words, let’s say SALAM first!