Salaam Beyond Greeting

Arabic in its origin,  the word "Salaam سلام" comes from the Arabic root word "salima سلم". Salaam means peace. The phrase "Assalaamu alaikum" which means "peace be upon you" has been prescribed to be the "greeting phrase" for Muslims. It is the best greeting for it's holistic, comprehensive and beautiful nature and Allah has chosen it amongst others.

But does it only connote a "greeting phrase" like other ones? What makes it stand out amongst others and why?

Ibn al-Qayyim says in his book (badaa'il-fawaa'id)
"Allah الله, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Peace, prescribed that the greeting among the people of Islam should be ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum’, which is better than all the greetings of other nations which include impossible ideas or lies, such as saying, ‘May you live for a thousand years,’ or things that are not accurate, such as ‘An’im sabaahan ( أنعم صباح،Good morning),’ or actions that are not right, such as bowing in greeting. Thus the greeting of salaam is better than all of these, because it has the meaning of safety which is life, without which nothing else can be achieved”

As stated earlier, the word "salaam" comes from "salima سلم" . It connotes dissociating oneself from evil or any form of harm whatsoever. So when I salaam to a fellow Muslim, I mean "I'm a Muslim like you, Will not harm you and you should be at peace with me". And since As-Salaam السلام is also one of the Beautiful Names of Allaah, the greeting of salaam also means, “May the blessing of Allah descend upon you, may Allah be with you, may Allah guide and protect you, May Allah grant you peace, tranquility and contentment.”

Imagine the depth and breath of meaning this powerful word or phrase connotes. And that is the beauty of the Arabic language. Words with very deep meanings.

In essence, by saying salaam, you're actually passing the following statements alongside:
- I'm a believer in Allah just like you; your brother.
- Rest assured that no harm shall come to you from me.
- May the blessings of Allah descend upon you.
- May Allah grant you everlasting peace and tranquility in your life.

The best part is that it is compulsory to reply with the same statement or that which is better (by the addition of extensions to the former; e.g warahmatullah)
You can't afford to miss saying these words every time.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of the two persons is the one who begins with salaam.” (Related by an-Nawawi)

So race up in saying salaam to your spouse, siblings, children, friends and other associates and enjoy the magnanimous benefits.

Say "Assalaamu alaikum" السلام عليكم