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12
Jul
2011

Greeting with Salaam DO's and DONT's

12th July 2011
Taken from http://www.muftisays.com/forums/virtues/5855/assalaamu-alaykum-do-s-dont-s.html

As-Salaamu 'alaykum.

I was walking past a very pious Mufti, to whom I did Salaam. He did not reply, but after a little while he said to me "Son, dont get me wrong, many people accuse me of never returning their Salaam, but the fact is that I am constantly reciting the Quran whilst walking the streets and unfortunately, people have not been educated with regards to whom they can and can't give Salaam to". He then replied to my Salaam with Dua and continued with his explanation. But due to old age and a mental illness he was unable to recall correctly the 6 times when one should not do or give reply to a Salaam.

Here a few:

When someone is reciting the Quran, the other person should not give Salaam.

When one is Praying Salah, Salaam is not given or answered to.

When one is in the toilet, Salaam should not be done to them or answered by them.

A man should not give Salaam to a woman (I think he said when she is on her own, cant rememer)

When a man is with his wife, e.g. walking in the streets, the other should not give Salaam.

There is 1 more places where one should not give Salaam nor does one need to reply.

If anyone has more on this, please share it with me and others too.

Like I said, the Shaykh is frail, so he could have easily erred. Please share your knowledge with us too.

One should not give salaam to a person making wudu. However, if a person is greeted, it will be better to reply. (Fataawa Rahimiyyah)

The correct method of shaking hands is for the inside lower part of the thumb to touch the other persons inside lower part of the thumb. As the the two hands are clasped together, the palm of the left hand is on top of the others right hand.

Therefore, if I am shaking someone's hand, the other persons hand will be in between my two palms.

There is a Hadith in which Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Masood narrated that the Prophet SAW held his hand and greeted him with salaam, and then the Prophet SAW said let me teach you the tashahud, so he recited the while of the tashahud, and he Abdullah ibn Masood said he SAW taught me the tashahud whilst my hands were between the palms of the Prophet SAW.

This how we were taught the tashahud and the hand shake.

Please note the wordings above are my interpretation and not the exact words of the hadith. As I am narrating from memory. I think this is from the muwatta of imam Muhammad.

Shaking hands with only one hand is not from the Sunnah. The Sunnah us to use two hands.

The Aadaab of Salaam (Greetings)

In a gathering where a talk or discussion is taking place, the person entering should not draw attention to himself by making salaam . He should not become an interference in the talk. He should lower his gaze and silently sit down. When later the opportunity arises, he may make salaam .

Adopt the practice of mutual salaam. Whenever meeting a Muslim, say: Assalaamu Alaykum . In reply say Wa Alaykumus salaam .

All other ways are baseless.

When a person conveys the salaam of another to you, reply Alayhim wa Alaykumus salaam. This is best. If someone replies: Wa Alaykumus salaam , it will also suffice.

One person of the group making salaam will be representative of the whole group. His salaam will be adequate on behalf of the group. Similarly, if from the gathering one person replied, it will suffice on behalf of the whole gathering.

The one who initiates the salaam obtains greater thawaab (reward).

When replying to the salaam of a person, the salaam should be made verbally, not by a sign of the hand or a nod of the head.

Better repayment for a favour will be when the repayment is somewhat more than the act of favour rendered. Thus, the reply should be more than the salaam . If Assalaamu Alaykum was said, the better reply will be Wa Alaykumus salaam wa rahmatullaah. If wa barakaa tuhu is also added it will be an added merit.

It is waajib (incumbent) to reply to the salaam which is written in a letter. This reply may be in writing or verbally.

The Fuqahaa (jurists) have said that in reply to the salaam which is written in a letter, one may say Alaykumus salaam or even Assalaamu Alaykum .

In a letter in which a Du'aa is written, the salaam should be written first since this is the Sunnah method .

Instead of writing or saying the salaam , to say any other term or to adopt the greeting of any other community is Bid'ah (innovation). Such an alien greeting is in fact alteration of the Sharee'ah.

A person who is engrossed in a conversation or in some work should not be greeted. The new-comer should not intrude with his hand-shaking. Such an act is uncultured and causes distress to others.

It is Makrooh to greet a person involved in Deeni or natural activity. Thus, to make salaam to a person eating is Makrooh while it is not Makrooh to engage in conversation while eating.


Before entering a house or any place of privacy it is necessary to seek permission. Do not enter without permission.

Stand outside and proclaim the salaam , then ask permission in any language. Use such terms which convey the full meaning. However, as far as the salaam itself is concerned only the terms of the Sharee'ah should be used.

When answering the call of nature neither reply to anyone's salaam nor offer salaam .

On promising to convey a person's salaam , it becomes waajib to do so, otherwise not.

When making salaam to elders adopt a low voice. Do not express yourself such terms which convey arrogance or disrespect.

The Aadaab of Musafahah (Shaking Hands)

Do not shake hands (make musaafahah) with a person when his hands are involved in such an act or activity which necessitates his emptying his hands. On such occasions salaam is adequate. Similarly, when someone (e.g. the leader in a gathering or the Ustaaz or the shaykh) is engaged in something (e.g. giving a talk), then do not remain standing in expectation of obtaining consent for sitting. Merely be seated.

If someone is hurrying along the road, do not stop him for hand-shaking. Such a person should not be stopped and engaged in conversation. You may be holding him up from something important.

When arriving in a gathering do not make musaafahah with everyone present. Make Musafahah with only the person whom you intend to see.

Some people are under the impression that mere handshaking is sufficient for restoring the peace between two antagonist or persons who have quarrelled. While the malice remains in the hearts musaafahah is of no benefit. Firstly clear the air by solving the dispute. Thereafter make musaafahah.

Musaafahah should be made on arrival and on departure.

When making musaafahah, the hands should not contain anything. Some people holding money in their hands make musaafahah. In this way they present a gift. This is improper. Musaafahah is a Sunnah act which is an ibaadah. It should not be corrupted with a worldly deed.

Do not wait in expectation of musaafahah. Do not wish that people come forward to shake your hands.

The Sunnah method of musaafahah is only to shake hands. In some places there is the custom of kissing the hands after making musaafahah. This practice should be discontinued.

On the occasion of Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique radhiyallahu anhu accompanied Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. On their arrival at Madinah Tayyibah the Ansaar (Helpers or the Sahaabah of Madinah who assisted the Sahaabah of Makkah Mukarramah) came out in crowds to welcome Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam as yet, hence on account of Hadhrat Abu Bakr's radhiyallahu anhu advanced age they mistook him for the Rasool. Under this impression they began making musaafahah with him. It is very significant that Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu anhu did not decline when the people mistakenly shook hands with him. This act of his indicative of the perfection of his intelligence. He continued making musaafahah with all of them. Since Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam was very tired on account of the arduous journey, Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu anhu did not wish to impose the inconvenience of crowds making Musafahah on Nabi-e-Kareem sallallahu alayhi wasallam. By substituting himself Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu anhu saved Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam considerable inconvenience. If someone adopts this method today in the presence of his shaykh, he will be regarded as a highly disrespected person and will be severely criticised and reprimanded.


Nowadays external etiquettes of respect are regarded to be service. True service is to ensure the comfort of the one whose service is intended even if one has to undergo inconvenience and difficulty in the process. This is the meaning of Muhabbat (love). The Sahaabah practically demonstrated this.

When making musaafahah, take into consideration the pleasure and the comfort of the one with whom you intend to make musaafahah. Refrain from adopting a method which will displease and inconvenience him.

Making Musafahah after Salaat (as is the practice in some places) is BidÂ’ah.

Do not make Musafahah after Salaat with one who is engrossed in some work. Just as there are rules for salaam so are there rules for Musafahah. According to the Hadeeth Musafahah is the completion of salaam. In some places while making Musafahah the thumbs are pressed. It is claimed that in the thumbs are the veins of love. This is baseless and the narration is a fabrication.

Offering salaam is an Islamic duty.

It has been narrated from Hazrat Ali that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "Commonly in Islam there are six rights of a Muslim upon a Muslim: when he meets him he should give him salaam; when he invites him (to a meal) he should accept it; when he sneezes he should bless him; when he falls ill he should visit him; when he dies he should accompany his funeral and he should prefer for him that which he prefers for himself."

Replying To Salaam Is A Duty Of A Muslim

Nasai narrates from Hazrat Abu Hurairah that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "There are rights of a Muslim over a Muslim: Responding to salaam, visiting the sick, following the bier (A platform upon which the corpse rests), accepting an invitation (to a meal) and blessing a person who sneezes."

This narration has been narrated in Sahih Muslim in these words, "There are six rights upon a Muslim". The Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam was asked, "What are these OÂ’ Prophet of Allah?" The Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam replied, "When you meet him, give him salaam, when he invites you, (to a meal) accept it, when he seeks counselling from you give him counselling and when he sneezes and says Alhamdulillah, bless him, when he falls ill visit him and when he dies accompany his funeral."

Warning Upon Not Replying To The Salaam

It has been narrated from Abdur Rahmaan ibn Shayba; he says the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "A rider should give salaam to a walking person, a walking person should give salaam to a seated person, a small group should give salaam to a larger group, whoever then responds to salaam, it is for his benefit, and he who does not respond to salaam, is not from amongst us." Ibn Sunni has narrated this and also Imaam Bukhari in his book Al Adabul Mufrad. On these bases Allama Nawawi in his commentary of Sahih Muslim has said, "To commence salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib." Similarly Hafiz ibn Abdul Bar says, "It is an unanimous agreement of the Muslims that to commence Salaam is Sunnah and to reply is Wajib."

The Virtue of Commencing Salaam

It has been narrated by Abu Umamah that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "Whoever commences Salaam is very close to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad Sallalahu alaihe wassalam " Ibn Sunni has narrated this.

In Imaam AhmadÂ’s narration there is, "The closest to Allah, the most glorious and eminent one, from amongst all the people is the one who commences salaam."

Similarly Tabrani narrates from Abu Darda, who says that we asked the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam ,"O Prophet of Allah, we meet each other, so who from amongst us should give salaam first?" The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam replied, "The one who is the most obedient to Allah from amongst you."

Reward For Giving Salaam

It has been narrated by Saalim that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "He who says Assalaamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you) ten rewards are written down for him, and he who says Assalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace be upon you and AllahÂ’s mercy) for him twenty rewards are written down and he who says Assalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (Peace be upon you and AllahÂ’s mercy and blessing) thirty rewards are written down (for him)."

In support of this Hadith we find a narration by Ibn Umar in Musannaf-Abdul-Razzak; It has been narrated in this Hadith that a person came in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam and said, "Assalamu Alaikum." The Holy Prophet replied, "Ten." Then a second Sahabi came and said, "Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullah." The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam replied, "Twenty." Then a third Sahabi arrived and said, "Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh." Upon this the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "Thirty." That is to say upon three words thirty rewards will be written down.

What is Salaam?

Imam Baihaqi narrates in discontinuation from Ibne Abbas, that As-Salaam is amongst AllahÂ’s names and also this is the greeting of the dwellers of Paradise.

Imaam Bukhari in his Al-Adabul-Mufrad narrates from Hazrat Anas that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "As-salaam is indeed a name from the names of Allah, which Allah has placed upon the Earth, therefore spread salaam amongst yourselves in abundance."

Conduct With The Person Who Does Not Say Salaam

It has been narrated from Ibn Umar, that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "He who speaks without firstly giving salaam, then do not answer him (to what he has to say)."

Spread Salaam

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Salaam says, "When the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam arrived in Madinah, the people lost no time in arriving in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam . I was amongst the people who had arrived to see him. When I looked with thoughtfulness at the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalamÂ’s radiant face, I realised with certainty that this is no face of a liar."

Abdullah ibn Salaam says, "The very first thing which I heard the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam say was, ‘O’ People, spread salaam and feed the people, keep good relations with your kith and kin and at nightfall engage yourself in Salaah while others are asleep, for you will enter Paradise safely."

In MuÂ’atta, Tufail ibn Abi Shayba regarding Ibn Umar radiyallahu anhuma says that one day when I came to Abdullah ibn Umar, he asked me to go to the market (with him). I asked, "What are you going to do in the market? You do not go to any salesman, or ask about any goods or its price nor do you want to sit in any market gatherings, so stay here with us, we will talk here."

Abdullah ibn Umar then said, "O Abu Battan, (he called him Abu Battan because Tufail ibn Abi had a large stomach) we are going to the market for the cause of giving salaam."

Similarly Ibn Sunni has narrated about Abu Imaam BaaÂ’ali that he said to Muhammad ibn Ziyaad, "O my nephew the Holy Prophet has commanded us that we spread salaam."

A Rider Should Give Salaam To A Walking Person

It has been narrated by Fudhala ibn Ubaid that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "A rider should give salaam to a walking person, a walking person should give salaam to a standing person and a small group of people should give salaam to a larger group."

Similarly it has been narrated by Hazrat Jabir that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "An elder person should give salaam to a younger one, one person should give salaam to two, a small group of people should give salaam to a larger one, a rider should give salaam to a walking person, a passer-by should give salaam to a standing person and a person who is standing should give salaam to a seated person."

Likewise it has been narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "A rider should give salaam to a walking person and a walking person should give salaam to a seated person and when a small group of people pass by a larger group they (the smaller group) should give salaam."
Similarly it has been narrated by Jabir that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "A rider should give salaam to a walking person and a walking person should give salaam to a seated person, but if two walking persons meet each other, then whoever commences salaam first from the two, is superior."

Similarly it is narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah he the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "A younger person should give salaam to an elder person, a by-passer to a seated person and a small group of people to a larger group."

Giving And Replying To Salaam From One Person Is Sufficient

It has been narrated by Hazrat Ali that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "The salaam of a person, from a passing group of people, will be sufficient on behalf of all the group, likewise if one person from those who are seated replies to the salaam, it will be sufficient on behalf of all the rest."

Giving Salaam To The Children

In Sunan-e-Abu Dawood, it has been narrated by Hazrat Anas that, "The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam came by us at the time when I was a child together with other children and greeted us all with salaam. Then the Holy Prophet took hold of my hand and sent me on an errand (with a message). The Holy Prophet was waiting in the shade of a wall until my return."

Similarly Imaam Muslim, Imaam Ahmad, Imaam Tirmidhi and Imaam Darami narrate from Hazrat Yasaar that he said, "I was walking with Thabit Binai when he passed by some children. He conveyed salaam to them, and began to say that once he was walking with Hazrat Anas and when he passed by some children he also greeted them with salaam. Hazrat Anas then narrated a Hadith, that he was walking with the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam and when they passed by some children, the Holy Prophet greeted them with salaam."

Similarly Imaam Nasai narrates from Hazrat Anas that when the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam would set out to meet the Ansar, he would greet their children with salaam, and would place his blessed hands upon the childrenÂ’s heads and make Dua for them.

Similarly Imaam Bukhari and Ibn Sunni narrate that Hazrat Anas has related that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam suddenly came upon some women, children and some servants who were returning from a wedding. The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam gave salaam to them and said, "In the name of Allah, I love you all."

The Correct Words Of Salaam

Abu Tameema narrates from a Sahabi who reported, "I said ‘Alaikas Salaam (Upon you be peace) O’ Messenger of Allah."
The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "Alaikas Salaam are the words of the deceased personÂ’s salaam. When one of you meets his fellow brother, he should say Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah."

The Manner Of Greeting The Dead In The Grave Yard

It has been narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam came towards the cemetery and said, "Alaikas Salaam (Upon you be peace), OÂ’ people of this abode, from amongst the believers, verily, if Allah wishes, we are going to join you in a short while."

In another narration it has been narrated thus, that when the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam passed by the graves, he would say, "Salaam be upon you, OÂ’ people of this abode from the believing men and believing women, Muslim men, Muslim women, pious men, pious women, indeed if Allah wishes, we will join you."

The first narration has been narrated by Imaam Abu Dawood and the second narration has been narrated by Allama Suyuti in his book Jaame-us-Sageer.

Giving Salaam To The People Of A Gathering

It has been narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "If any one of you enters any gathering, he should give salaam. He should then remain seated to that extent he has in his mind, and when he decides to return, he should again give salaam. The reason being that the first salaam is not more rightful than the second, that is, he gives the first salaam and not the second." This narration has been narrated by Imaam Abu Dawood, Imaam Tirmizi and Ibne Sunni.

Reply To A Third PersonÂ’s Salaam

A person from (the tribe of) Banu Tameem narrates from his father who narrates from his paternal grandfather that he arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam and said, "My father sends salaam upon you."

The Holy Prophet replied, "Wa Alaika WaÂ’alaa Abeekas Salaam (Peace be upon you and your father)." Imaam Abu Dawood, Nasai and Ibn Sunni have narrated this.

Similarly it has been narrated by Hazrat Aisha radiyallahu anha that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam said, "Jibraeel sends salaam upon you."

Hazrat Aisha replied, "Wa Alaihis Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh (Peace be upon him and AllahÂ’s mercy and blessings). You (OÂ’ Prophet) can see things which we cannot."

Similarly Imaam Bukhari and Imaam Muslim have related Abu HurairaÂ’s narration, he says, Jibraeel the trustworthy arrived in the presence of the Noble Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam and said, "This is Khadija, who is coming, she has with her a utensil in which there is curry (or he said food, or drink). When she arrives give, her salaam from her sustainer and myself, and give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise which will be hollow in which there will be no loud noise (din) nor weariness."

Ibne Sunni has narrated this narration in more detail. It is narrated by Amr bin Wahb that Hazrat Khadija set out in search of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam in the upper part of Makkah Mukarrama. Hazrat Khadija had the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalamÂ’s food with her. Jibraeel the trustworthy met Hazrat Khadija in the form of a man and questioned her regarding the Holy Prophet . Hazrat Khadija began to tremble and thought that, probably he is from those who are out to harm the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam.

Hazrat Khadija mentioned this incident to the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam. The Holy ProphetSallalahu alaihe wassalam replied that he was Jibraeel the trustworthy. He has informed me that he has met you and he has also told me that you have food with you and that is Hees (a sweet dish). Hazrat Jibraeel the trustworthy has said, "Give salaam to Khadija from Allah the most glorious and eminent one, and give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise which will be hollow in which they will no loud noise (din) nor weariness."

Hazrat Khadija said, "Allah the exalted is Himself As-Salaam (The Giver of peace) and peace comes from Him, Salaam be upon Jibraeel, he is the messenger of Allah. Salaam be upon you and salaam be upon all those who are listening but Shaytaan.
OÂ’ Prophet of Allah, what is the hollow house in Paradise wherein they will be no loud noise (din) nor weariness?"

The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam replied, "It will be a secure house made out of pearl."


Giving Salaam Even After A Short Separation

It has been narrated by Anas that the companions of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam Sallalahu alaihe wassalam would walk together and when a tree would come in their way they would separate towards the left and right. Then on meeting each other, one of them would greet the other with salaam.

Salaam Upon The Noble Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam At The Time Of Entering A Masjid.

Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates the saying of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam ,"When anyone amongst you enters a Masjid" or he said, "When anyone amongst you arrives at a Masjid, he should send salaam upon the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam and say, ‘Allahumma aftahli abwaba rahmatik’, (O Allah, open the doors of your mercy for me) and when he comes out of the Masjid he should also then send salaam upon the Holy Prophet and say, ‘Allahumma a’ithni min ash-shaytaan ir-rajee’ (O Allah give me refuge from the accursed Shaytaan). In the narration of Ibn Majah these words have been narrated, ‘Bismillahi was-salaamu ala rasullullahi’ (I begin in the name of Allah, Salaam be upon Allah’s Messenger)."

The Virtue Of Giving Salaam In OneÂ’s Own Home And Then Setting Out

It has been narrated by Abu Umamah Al BaÂ’ali from the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam that he said, "There is no one like he who performs Wudhu thoroughly and then washes both his hands, feet and face, then gargles his mouth and performs his Wudhu in the manner in which Allah has commanded him but sins which he has committed by talking or walking towards are wiped away, such that sins committed by his limbs are forgiven. When he walks towards the Masjid he gets one reward for every step he takes. His Salaah remains an extra bonus for him, that is when he enters upon his family, greets them with salaam and lies down upon his bed, for him is the reward of a full nights worship."

Imaam Bukhari in his book Al-Adabul Mufrad has mentioned a narration, "There are three types of people who are all in all in the care of Allah. If they stay alive they will find a life of sufficiency and if they pass away they will enter Paradise. One is he who enters his own home by giving salaam, is in the care of Allah the most glorious and eminent one. The second person who is in the care of Allah the most glorious and eminent one is he who goes out towards the Masaajid. The third person who is in the care of Allah, is he who goes out in the path of Allah."

Also Ibn Sunni relates a narration of Abu Huraira that he said, "It is the saying of the Holy Prophet that definitely there is an illumination and light for Islam, like a pathway which is well lit. That a Muslim should worship Allah and must not associate anything with him. He must carry out Fardh Salaah, give Zakaah, perform Hajj of Baitullah, keep the fast of the auspicious month of Ramadhaan and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency. To give salaam to your household when you enter upon them, and to give salaam upon those Muslims you pass by. If they reply to your salaam then the angels will return salaam upon them and if they do not answer to your salaam, the angels will reply to your salaam, and curse them or they will stay quiet with them. Whoever has let go of one of the above mentioned then he has let go of a part of Islam and whoever throws them all away has thrown Islam behind his back."

Likewise a narration of Sahih Muslim is narrated from Miqdad ibn Aswad ,he says we three companions arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam Then the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam took us to his household (family), there were three goats there. He (The Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam ) told the three of us to take the milk and distribute it amongst ourselves whenever we needed it. Miqdad says, "We obeyed the command and would leave a portion for the Holy Prophet ." Hazrat Miqdad says that the Holy Prophet Sallalahu alaihe wassalam would come at night and would give salaam in such a manner that it would not wake a sleeping person but would be heard by a person who was awake. Then he would go to the Masjid to pray his Salaah and then would drink his own portion.
posted by abu mohammed on 12th July 2011 - 8 comments

8 Comments

amin wrote on 13 Jul 2011
It is permissible to bow and make salaam .
I thought Bowing was haram
Blogger's Reply:
Jazakallah for pointing that out. I must of over looked it. It has been removed until such evidence can be found and backed up.

IT IS HARAM TO BOW TO ANY OTHER THAN ALLAH, WETHER THAT IS IN A FORM OF RUKU OR SAJDAH.

I have just added this to the post.

It is forbidden to bow when greeting with the Salaam because the Prophet, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam, was asked about a man meeting his brother by bowing down for him. He replied, "No". Reported By At Tirmidhee. Since bowing is a form of Rukoo, and the Rukoo and the Sujood are allowed only for Allah. We should pay attention to the rule and the honour regarding standing up for the Salaam.

 
mohammed salahuddin wrote on 29 Sep 2012
thanks amin for your question. bt i need to more clarification because we the people from bangladesh usually take bow and touches leg while we offer salaam to our closest one. is that haram?

dear mr. mohammed
please rply me wtih the following question:
should i take a bow and touch leg while i offer salaam to my
-grand parents
-parents
-husband
-elder brother & sister
-uncle etc
-to a older women
-to a older man
-any different rules for man & women when offer salam.

please rply me. i m lookin forward to u. thanks
Blogger's Reply:
Jazakallahu khair for taking the time and readingy blog post.

Unfortunately I am not a scholar, and I am not able to answer your question.

Should you wish to ask a question to a Mufti, I would recommend you visit the Q & A section where you will find qualified scholars.

www.muftisays.com/qa/askmufti/


Alternatively you can read through this www.daruliftaa.com/question?txt_QuestionID=q-22582773
 
mrs yoosuf wrote on 29 Jun 2013
Should we recite any kind of dua when entterin the burial grounds
Blogger's Reply:
Prophet (SAW)'s Prayers

 
When entering the cemetry
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمُ يَا أَهْلَ الْقُبُورِ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ أَنْتُمُ سَلَفُنَا وَنَحْنُ بِالْأَثَرِ
"Oh inmates of the graves, salaam on you. Allah forgive us and you all. You left first and we will be coming later".
Or
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمُ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ لَاحِقُونَ نَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ
"Oh Muslims residing here, salaams on you, by the will of Allah we will also be coming to you. We seek safety for us and you".

(Muslim)
 
 
Khalil wrote on 14 Jan 2015
Assalamu Alaikum,

Can we salaam to a person or a group of people gathered to attend the funeral ?
Blogger's Reply:
WasSalaam, I don't see why salaam can not be done, but it would be better to confirm with the scholars. Let's not forget there is also a Dua when entering a cemetery, which practically is Salaam to all the inhabitants of the grave. Wallahu Alum
 
farhana kadar wrote on 23 Nov 2016
Why is a muslim not allowed to make salaam or walaikumsaalam when in the toilet.
Blogger's Reply:
The Prophet (saw) said, "The entire earth is Masjid (Place for prayer), except the toilet and the graveyard".
Reported Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah the narration of Ibn Umar that he said: "The Prophet prohibited performing prayer at seven places. He counted 'the bathroom' among them".

Salaam is one of Allah's name. It is also a Dua and prayer.
 
Charmaine wrote on 17 Dec 2016
After the prayer ends with the salaam to the right and to the left. Is it permissible for me to stand up and start giving the salas so to the brothers ad I'm walking out the door.
Blogger's Reply:
You may if they aren't praying or reading the Quran and not to disturb the others in Salah.
 
A Muslim wrote on 23 Nov 2017
Why must we not say salams to a person eating?
Blogger's Reply:
In reference to your question, it is Makrooh (Abominable – disliked) to make Salaam to a person who is partaking one’s meals. However, if you could determine that the morsel of food is not in the person’s mouth, it will not be Makrooh.[1]



Hakimul Ummat Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi Rahmatullahi Allayhi in his book Aadabul Muaasharaat has mentioned the following etiquettes of Salaam.

1. In a gathering where a talk or discussion is taking place, the person entering should not draw attention to himself by making Salaam. He should not interfere in the talk. He should lower his gaze and silently sit down. When later the opportunity arises, he should make Salaam.

2. Adopt the practice of mutual salaam. Whenever meeting a Muslim, say: Assalamualaikum. In reply say Walaikumus Salaam.

All other ways are baseless.

3. When a person conveys the Salaams of another to you, reply: Alayhim Wa Alaikumus Salaam. This is best. If someone replies: Walaikumus Salaam, It will also suffice.

4. One person of the group making Salaam will be representative of the whole group. His Salaam will be adequate on behalf of the group. Similarly, if from the gathering one person replied, it will suffice on behalf of the whole gathering.

5. The one initiates the Salaam obtains greater thawaab (reward).

6. When replying to the Salaam of a person, the Salaam should be made verbally, not by a sign of the hand or a nod of the head.

7. Better repayment for a favour will be when the repayment is somewhat more than the act of favour rendered. Thus, the reply should be more than the Salaam (greeting). If Assalamualaikum was said, the better reply will be Walaikumus Salaam Warahmatullah. If Wa Barakaatuhu is also added it will be an added merit.

8. It is Wajib (obligatory) to reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter. This reply may be in writing or verbally.

9. The Fuqaha have said that in a reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter, one may say Alaikumus Salaam or even Assalamu Alaikum.

10. In a letter in which a dua is written, the Salaam should be written first since this is the sunnahmethod.

11. Instead of writing or saying the Salaam, to say any other term or to adopt the greeting of any other community is bidah. Such an alien greeting is in fact alteration of the Shariah.

12. A person who is engrossed in a conversation or in some work should not be greeted. The new-comer should not intrude with his hand-shaking. Such an act is uncultured and causes distress to others.

13. It is Makrooh (Abominable – disliked) to greet a person involved in deeni or natural activity.Thus, to make Salaam to a person eating is Makrooh while it is not Makrooh (Abominable – disliked) to engage in conversation while eating.

14. It is not permissible to bow and make salaam.

15. Before entering a house or any place of privacy it is necessary to seek permission. Do not enter without permission.

16. Stand outside and proclaim the Salaam, then ask permission in any language. Use such terms which convey the full meaning. However, as far as the Salaam itself is concerned only the terms ofShariah should be used.

17. When answering the call of nature neither reply to anyone’s Salaam nor offer Salaam.

18. On promising to convey a person’s Salaam it becomes wajib to do so, otherwise not.

19. When making Salaam to elders adopt a low voice. Do not express your self in such terms which convey arrogance or disrespect.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Luqman Hansrot
Fatwa Dept.
islamqa.org/hanafi/efiqh/22016

Now for the actual reason, then that would be so that the person is not interupted or made to speak with a mouth full. This is the understaing I have when also taking into context:

Imaam Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Adhkaar: An example of that is if a person is eating and has food in his mouth. If someone greets him in this situation, he does not deserve an answer. But if it is whilst he is eating but he does not have food in his mouth, then there is nothing wrong with someone giving salaam, and he has to respond.

 
Anum Hussain wrote on 6 Sep 2021
Assalamulailkum Wa Rahmatullahe Wabarakatuhu, I was wondering, what if you say salam to a person and make full eye contact with them, but they do respond but without properly acknowledging you and looking at you then responding. (Both females)
 
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