The meaning of “As-Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu” is “May you be safe from evil, and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be upon you”. 'Al-Salam' is one of the names of Allah SWT, and Salam itself means peace, safety and protection from evil. Muslims have an obligation towards one another to offer greetings when they meet because it unifies the hearts and strengthens bonds between them. The fulfillment of this social responsibility not only creates a sense of cohesion and feelings of respect for one another but also have great rewards.
· Virtues: Saying Salam is one of the defining criteria of our belief and spreading it a part our faith. A man asked the Prophet PBUH about which aspect of Islam is best; He PBUH replied, "Feeding the hungry, and saying Salam to those you know and those you don't know" [Bukhari]. - Prophet PBUH said, "The person nearest to Allah is one who is first to offer greeting'' [Abu Dawud].
· Grades of Salam: There are several forms of exchanging Salam. Each has its grade which corresponds to the extent of the phrase. It is narrated that: "A man came to the Prophet PBUH and said, 'As-Salam Alaykum' Prophet PBUH returned his greeting and when the man sat down He PBUH said ‘10’. Another man came and said: 'As-Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullah' to which the Prophet PBUH also responded and when the man sat down He PBUH said ‘20’. Another man came and said: ''As-Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh' He PBUH returned his greeting and after the man sat down He PBUH said '30’" [Tirmithi]. This Hadith has been interpreted to mean that the minimum form of the Islamic greeting is ‘As-Salam Alaykum’ and one is rewarded with 10 good deeds for saying it. The second grade is adding "wa rahmatullah" raises the reward to 20 good deeds. The best grade of Salam is "As-Salam Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu" and this is worth 30 good deeds.
· Islamic ruling: Initiating Salam is considered 'Sunah' or optional, returning the Salam after it is offered is considered 'Wagib' or obligatory. Often we take greetings for granted and attach minimal importance to it. Allah SWT says, "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally" [4:86]. Prophet PBUH said, "The rights of a Muslim upon another are five: 1) returning ones Greetings [return his\her Salam] 2) visiting the sick 3) following the funeral procession 4) responding to invitations 5) offering 'Tashmeet' for one who sneezes" [Bukhari].
· Origination: Greeting was ordained by Allah SWT from the time of Prophet Adam AS. Prophet PBUH said, "When Allah created Adam He SWT told him to go and say As-Salam Alaykum to a group of Angels and listen to their reply. It is your greeting and the greeting of your descendants. Adam AS went and said: As-Salam Alaykum, they said As-Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatulah" [Bukhari]. Prophet PBUH said, "Al-Salam is indeed a name from the names of Allah, which Allah has placed upon the Earth therefore spread Salam amongst yourselves in abundance" [Bukhari].
· Etiquette of Salam: When one enters one’s home, it is preferable to offer Salam even if there is no one at home. Allah SWT says, "....But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good...." [24:61]. - Prophet PBUH said, “When you enter your house, say “Salam Alaykum” to your family for it will be a blessing both to you and to your family”. - Prophet PBUH said, "The person who is riding should offer Salam to the one who is walking; and the one who is walking should greet the one who is sitting; and the smaller group should greet the larger one" [Bukhari].
· Salam and the Society: Human interaction is an important facet of any society; Salam is the first level of righteousness and the first quality of brotherhood in Islam and holds a special place in Islamic manner. Allah SWT says, “O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them'' [24:27].