![]() Muslim scholars in Islam have three major views concerning the saying of salaam to members of others faiths, such as Christians, Zoroastrians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Animists. INITIATING THE SAYING OF SALAAM TO NON-MUSLIMS In discussing this topic, the rulings on issues having to do with initiating the saying of salaams will be treated separately as a section, and then followed by those related to replying or responding to salaam from non-Muslims. The salient question is: does this universal precious greeting of peace extend to them? Inevitably, Muslims live among relations, friends and well-wishers from other faiths. He also ruled: ”Let the young say Salaam to the elder, and the passerby to the seated, and the smaller group to the larger group.” And the best of them is the first to say Salaam”. He also said: “It is not permissible for a person to desert his fellow brother for more than three days while they continue to meet and turn their backs to each other. In another instance, he enjoined his followers to spread the greetings of salaam because it increases the love between them. Likewise the Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him) was once asked: ‘what aspect of Islam is among the best?” He replied “Giving food (to the needy) and saying salaam to whom you know and whom you know not”. He also described salaam as “a greeting from Allah, blessed and good”. Indeed, Allah is ever taking account of all things” The greeting Allah is referring to here is generally understood to be ‘Assalamu alaikum’. In this regard, Allah says in the Qur’an: “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet (in return) with one which is better than it or (at least) return it (in like manner). ![]() Islam, as a comprehensive way of life also recognizes this norm as a right, and goes to the extent of specifying how it should be done: ‘Assalamu alaikum’ meaning ‘peace be upon you’ or more perfectly: ‘Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuh’ meaning “Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you”. It was quite ordinary in history that even opposing armies will engage in some form of mutual acknowledgement before the start of combat. It is the first social right at the point of contact and cuts across religious and cultural barriers. It is recognized as a norm in all cultures and civilizations. Greeting is a moral act, a way of acknowledging presence, showing respect and courtesy. It is hoped that this paper will help Muslims get a truer picture on this matter, and lead to greater respect for the divergence of opinion among Muslim scholars. Therefore, this paper attempts to x-ray the actual facts about the subject from the Qur’an and Sunnah, and to clarify which opinion may be stronger or more applicable to our contemporary context. This grudge and rancor if left unattended could be detrimental to peaceful co-existence and subsequently threatening to the progress of Da’wah. This becomes more important where the non-Muslim contemporaries vividly understand the meaning of the Muslim’s unique way of greeting and feel discriminated against, belittled or disrespected if they are denied the salutations of salaam (Peace). Consequently, how one greets another person can open the way for better interaction or halt further relationship. Just like it is in all civilizations, cultures and religions, greeting is the very social responsibility at the first point of contact. If Muslims have to integrate into the so described global village, then good communication is a vital component. With globalization, the world is getting more and more exposed to new cultures, religions, and ideologies etc. ![]() They live in a world of multi-religious and multicultural diversities. Muslims, just like the rest of mankind do not live in isolation. ![]()
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