Human Relation In Islam-Greetings & Response JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Islam teaches us how to be kind to each other. One of the most important ways Muslims show kindness is through greetings. In Islam, greeting others is not just being polite – it is a religious duty that helps build friendship and peace in the community.

The Islamic Greeting

The main greeting in Islam is “As-Salamu Alaykum” which means “Peace be upon you.” This greeting is special because:

• It asks Allah to give peace to the person you are greeting
• It shows you wish them well
• It reminds both people that peace is important in Islam

When someone says “As-Salamu Alaykum” to you, you should answer with “Wa Alaykum As-Salam” which means “And peace be upon you too.”

Importance of Islamic Greetings

1. Following Prophet Muhammad’s Example: Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always greeted people warmly. He taught us that greeting others is one of the best things a Muslim can do.
2. Building Love Among Muslims: When we greet each other, it makes us feel closer and more friendly. The Prophet said: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you about something which, if you do it, will make you love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among yourselves.”
3. Removing Anger and Bad Feelings: Greeting someone, even if you are upset with them, can help make the anger go away. It is hard to stay angry at someone when you wish them peace.
4. Equality in Islam: When we say “As-Salamu Alaykum” to everyone – rich or poor, young or old – it shows that all Muslims are equal in the eyes of Allah.

Rules of Islamic Greetings

Who Should Start the Greeting

• The younger person should greet the older person first
• The person walking should greet the person sitting
• The smaller group should greet the larger group
• The person entering a place should greet those already there
• The person riding should greet the person walking

How to Greet

There are different ways to greet in Islam:

1. Basic greeting: “As-Salamu Alaykum”
2. Better greeting: “As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you)
3. Best greeting: “As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh” (Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you)

The more complete greeting gives more rewards from Allah.

Greeting Non-Muslims

Muslims can also greet non-Muslims. Some scholars say we can say “As-Salamu Alaykum” to them, while others suggest saying “Peace be upon you” in the local language. The important thing is to be friendly and respectful to everyone.

Benefits of Islamic Greetings

1. Getting Rewards from Allah: Every time you greet someone, Allah gives you rewards (hasanat).
2. Creating a Peaceful Society: When everyone wishes peace for others, the whole community becomes more peaceful.
3. Breaking the Ice: Greeting is a good way to start talking to someone you don’t know well.
4. Showing Good Character: A person who greets others shows they have good manners and follow Islamic teachings.
5. Removing Loneliness: When you greet someone who is alone or sad, it can make them feel better and included.

Other Forms of Islamic Greetings

Besides saying “As-Salamu Alaykum,” Muslims also use other friendly greetings:

1. Saying “Marhaban” (Welcome): This shows the person is welcome in your home or place.
2. Smiling: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Your smile to your brother is a charity.” Smiling is a simple greeting that makes others happy.
3. Shaking Hands: When meeting another Muslim of the same gender, shaking hands is a sunnah (practice of the Prophet).
4. Hugging: Close friends or family members may hug when they haven’t seen each other for a long time.

Stories About Islamic Greetings

The Prophet’s Example

One day, a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said “As-Salamu Alaykum.” The Prophet replied, “Wa Alaykum As-Salam” and said “Ten rewards.” Another man came and said “As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah.” The Prophet replied and said “Twenty rewards.” A third man said “As-Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.” The Prophet replied and said “Thirty rewards.” This shows how Allah gives more rewards for more complete greetings.

Angels Greeting Adam

When Allah created the first man, Adam (peace be upon him), He told him to go and greet a group of angels. Allah said to Adam: “Go to those angels and listen to how they greet you, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your children.” Adam said “As-Salamu Alaykum” and they replied “Wa Alaykum As-Salam Wa Rahmatullah.” They added “Wa Rahmatullah” (and the mercy of Allah), showing that the response to a greeting should be even better than the greeting itself.

Conclusion

Islamic greetings are more than just words – they are a way to spread peace, build friendships, and follow Allah’s commands. When we greet others with “As-Salamu Alaykum,” we are not just being polite – we are practicing an important part of our religion and making our community stronger and more peaceful.

By using Islamic greetings regularly, we follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), earn rewards from Allah, and help create a world where people treat each other with kindness and respect.