What Does "Assalamu Alaikum" Mean?

What is the meaning of "assalamu alaikum"?

 “Assalamu alaikum” is the Islamic greeting which literally means “salam (peace) be upon you.”

There are various opinions about the meaning of “salam”

It is narrated in a hadith that “Salam” is one of the beautiful names of Allah (swt) meaning “peace, the source of peace and safety”. In this case, “assalamu alaikum” means “May the name of Allah be on you.”

According to the eminent Maliki scholar Qadi Iyad, “salam” means “protection” (muhafaza) and so “assalamu alaikum” means “ May Allah’s (swt) protection and care be with you.” He expresses that it is a dua in the meaning of “May Allah (swt) be with you”.

Some scholars say that it has the meaning “Allah (swt) is ever cognizant (muttali) of what He does.”

Some others state that “salam” means “peace”. This word is used in the following ayah in this meaning: “Then (the greeting) Peace be unto thee" from those on the right hand.” (Surah al Vakıa)

According to this opinion, a person who greets another one with “assalamu alaikum” tells him that “You are safe with me, I will never do you any harm, do not be frightened!” (Kutub al Sitta)

There are also extended versions of the Islamic greeting as "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you) and "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you).

Salam is significant in Islam

Islam gives great importance to greeting since it is a means of strengthening the brotherhood and sisterhood ties in Islam and since it increases the love amongst the Muslims. In the hadiths, it is also stated that greeting with “salam” is the greeting of the people of jannah. It is one of the best deeds and one of the best prays that pleases Allah (swt).