Topics: Manners

The Importance of Returning the Salam: A Guide to Islamic Greetings

Responding to Greetings with Kindness and Respect: A Quranic Perspective

RETURNING THE SALAM, WITH A BETTER SALAM

ALLĀH says,

وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّواْ بِأَحۡسَنَ مِنۡهَآ أَوۡ رُدُّوهَآۗ

And when you are greeted with a greeting, respond with a better greeting or at least similarly.

The greeting is that which is spoken by one of the two who meet one another, by way of honouring and praying for the other, along with what accompanies that of smiles and so on.

The best and most sublime of greetings is that which is taught by Islam of initiating and returning the greeting of salam.

ALLĀH instructs the believers that when they are greeted in any manner, they should give a response that is better than it in terms of wording, smiles and so on. What we may understand from this is that it is not allowed to refrain from returning the greeting altogether or to return it with something less than it.

From this verse we learn that initiating the greeting of salam is encouraged on the basis of two things:

ALLĀH instructs us to respond to the greeting with something better than it or (at least) equal to it. This implies that initiating the greeting is required according to Islamic teaching.

The fact that it refers to something better indicates that participating in giving then returning the greeting is a good thing.

However there is an exception to the general meaning of the verse, which is when someone greets another in a situation where it is not enjoined to return the greeting, such as if that person is busy reading Qur’an, listening to a khutbah, praying, and the like; in that case he is not required to respond to the greeting. A similar exception is made in the case of one whom the Lawgiver has instructed us to shun and not greet, namely the repentant sinner who may be deterred by shunning. He is to be shunned and not greeted, and his greeting is not to be returned, because doing so would undermine the general interest that may be achieved by shunning him.

Returning the greeting includes every greeting that is customary among the people and is not forbidden according to Islamic teachings; we are enjoined to return such greetings with a greeting that is equal to or better than it.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

What Does Islam Say About Friendship?

Discover what Islam teaches about friendship, based on the Quran and Sunnah. Learn how to choose righteous friends and the… Read More

2 days ago

Women’s Rights in Islam Explained

Explore the comprehensive rights Islam grants to women, from spiritual equality to economic independence, and how these principles align with… Read More

2 days ago

Parenting in Islam: Duties and Divine Rewards

Discover how Islam guides parents to raise righteous children and the blessings they receive in return Read More

2 days ago

Islam in Vietnam: Rise, Future, & Muslim Challenges

Explore the rich history, vibrant practices, and unique challenges of Muslims in Vietnam. Discover their journey of faith, cultural preservation,… Read More

3 days ago

Dhul Hijjah Takbirat: Sunnah or Innovation?

Many Muslims recite the Takbirat specifically after prayers during Dhul-Hijjah. But is this practice supported by authentic evidence? This article… Read More

1 week ago

Giving Fatwas: The Danger of Ignorance in Islam

In an age of instant opinions, issuing a religious ruling (fatwa) without deep knowledge has become dangerously common. This practice… Read More

1 week ago