Rafed English

The Manners of Greeting

A- Among the etiquette of greetings is that a rider should greet the one who is on foot, a passer-by should greet the one who is standing, a small group should greet a larger one, little ones should greet the elders, a man should greet a woman, a child should greet his parent, and the one who enters a place should greet those whom he meets inside.

The art of social relations we have learned from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), and his teachings require us to be the first to say the Islamic greeting, that is, "Assalamu Alaikum", because he used to be the first to say the greeting.

B- We should use the Islamic greeting "Assalamu Alaikum", so as to show our identity. It is not right for us, as Muslims, to use other people's greetings while we have our own, which is beautiful and perfect.

C- To welcome your friend and visitor with all of your existence, so that he will feel your concern for him. It is not good to shake ones hand while your other hand is in your pocket, or you are resting on your car, a wall or tree. This will reduce your value in the sight of your friend.

D- To reply to the greetings with the best of it, these are the Islamic morals that do not repay good with good only, rather it repays it with what is better than it, "When you are greeted with a greeting, then greet you with a better (than it), or return it." (Holy Qur'an (4: 86) The best reply for "Assalamu Alaikum" "Peace be upon you" is "Wa alaikum al-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu" (And peace be with you and the mercy and blessings of Allah be with you."

E- It is obligatory for Muslims to greet women with Islamic greetings and show for them our concern, but it is not permissible to shake their hands; because Islam considers such action as part of an Islamic chastity and security.

Adapted from the book: "The Art of Social Relations" by: "Al-Balagh Foundation"

Share this article

Comments 0

Your comment

Comment description