Is Repeatedly Translating “Salaam” Considered Bid’ah?

Understanding the Use of “Salaam” and Its Translation: Is It Bid’ah?

Question: Does repeatedly sending the translation of “Salaam” count as an innovation (bid’ah)?

Answer: If we greet someone with “Salaam,” just saying the greeting is sufficient, and there is no need to explain its translation. However, if you are explaining the meaning or context of the greeting, then of course, you will explain its meaning. But there is no need to give the translation when simply offering “Salaam.” If someone writes the translation along with the greeting, there is no harm, but doing this repeatedly is unnecessary, although it would not be considered bid’ah. The reason for this is that the translation is just an explanation of the meaning of Salaam, and calling it bid’ah has no basis.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail