The Prophet ﷺ said:
«لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا، وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ؟ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ»
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread peace (Salam) among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 54)
This beautiful hadith shows the great importance of Salam in Islam. Below, we’ll explain the etiquettes of greeting in a simple and child-friendly way — easy to understand and practice daily.
1. The One Riding Greets the One Walking
The Prophet ﷺ taught us who should start the greeting first:
«يُسَلِّمُ الرَّاكِبُ عَلَى الْمَاشِي، وَالْمَاشِي عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ، وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ»
“The one riding greets the one walking, the one walking greets the one sitting, and the smaller group greets the larger group.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6233)
In another narration, the younger greets the elder first. But if the one riding forgets, the one walking can start — the main goal is to never miss this Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ, the best of creation, used to start Salam himself! Whoever begins with Salam is closer to Allah’s mercy.
2. Responding to Salam with Kindness
Allah ﷻ commands in the Quran:
﴿وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُمْ بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا﴾
“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or at least return it.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:86)
So when someone says “As-salamu alaykum,” reply with “Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.”
Returning the Salam with kindness spreads love and earns reward.
3. Saying Salam When Entering a House
The Quran also teaches us to say Salam when entering homes:
﴿فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً﴾
“When you enter houses, greet each other with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”
(Surah An-Nur 24:61)
Whether it’s your own home or someone else’s, begin with “As-salamu alaykum.” It brings blessings and peace into the house.
4. Other Beautiful Etiquettes of Salam
Here are a few more manners every Muslim (including kids!) should know:
- Say Salam three times if the group is large or unsure if they heard you.
- Greet aloud — and reply aloud too.
- Say Salam to everyone, whether you know them or not.
- Starting Salam is Sunnah, but replying is wajib (obligatory).
- Greet children — it teaches them love and inclusion.
- Always say Salam before starting any conversation.
- Say Salam before leaving a gathering, and again if you return soon.
- Say Salam verbally — not just by waving or nodding!
- Avoid greeting during Friday khutbah (sermon).
- When entering a masjid, give Tahiyyat al-Masjid (two rak‘ahs) before greeting others.
Final Thoughts
Teaching kids the manners of Salam helps them grow kind, humble, and respectful. It’s a simple act that carries deep meaning — spreading love, unity, and peace.
🕊️ Start today: greet your family with “As-salamu alaykum,” and remind your children it’s not just a word — it’s a prayer for peace.
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Why is saying Salam important in Islam?
It spreads peace, love, and unity among Muslims and earns reward from Allah.
Who should say Salam first?
The Prophet ﷺ taught that the one riding greets the one walking, the walking greets the sitting, and the younger greets the elder.
Is replying to Salam obligatory?
Yes. Saying Salam is Sunnah, but responding is wajib (obligatory) according to Islamic teachings.
Should we say Salam when entering our own home?
Yes. Allah commands believers to say Salam upon entering their own homes — it brings blessings and peace.
Can children say Salam too?
Absolutely! The Prophet ﷺ encouraged greeting children to teach them good manners and make them feel valued.