3 hadiths on salam and greetings
Spreading salam among Muslims, greeting people you know and those you do not, and welcoming children too.
Do you greet only people you know? Do you also greet the children who are present?
These three hadiths teach spreading salam, the greeting of peace, among Muslims. They connect greetings with love between believers, call for greeting unfamiliar people too and show the Prophet ﷺ greeting children.
Article contents
Begin salam without waiting for others
The context of the narration
Abu Hurayrah reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ connects entry into Paradise with faith, then faith with mutual love. He then identifies an action that encourages this love: spreading the greeting.“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something which, if you do it, will make you love one another? Spread salam among yourselves.”
Read the Arabic text
لاَ تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلاَ تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، أَوَلاَ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَىْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ بَيْنَكُمْ
Understanding this hadith
The Prophet ﷺ recommends salam as an action that helps believers love one another. Spreading it means not reserving it for people you already speak to regularly.
When joining a group, look up from your phone and greet clearly enough to be heard. You can begin without waiting for someone else.
Greeting people you do not know too
The context of the narration
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As relates that a man asked the Prophet ﷺ what is best in the practice of Islam. His answer brings together feeding others and greeting them:“You give food and offer salam to those you know and those you do not know.”
Read the Arabic text
تُطْعِمُ الطَّعَامَ، وَتَقْرَأُ السَّلاَمَ عَلَى مَنْ عَرَفْتَ، وَعَلَى مَنْ لَمْ تَعْرِفْ
Understanding this hadith
The answer names two acts: feeding people and greeting both those you know and those you do not. You therefore do not need a prior introduction before offering someone salam.
At a gathering of Muslims, also greet the newcomer standing alone. You can then introduce yourself or offer a place to sit rather than speaking only with friends.
Also read: setting aside a share of a meal for your neighbours.
Greeting children when passing them
The context of the narration
The account reports that Anas ibn Malik passed some children and greeted them. He then explained why he did so by recalling the conduct of the Prophet ﷺ.“He passed some children and greeted them, then said: “The Prophet ﷺ used to do this.””
Read the Arabic text
أَنَّهُ مَرَّ عَلَى صِبْيَانٍ فَسَلَّمَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَقَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَفْعَلُهُ
Understanding this hadith
Anas greets the children he meets and explains that he saw the Prophet ﷺ do so. The adult therefore initiates the greeting rather than reserving it for people of the same age.
Anas transmits this example through his own action, then a short explanation. At home or during a visit, including children in the greeting is a simple way to follow this teaching. Give them time to respond; the moment can help them learn the greeting without exposing them to a humiliating remark in front of everyone.
In practice
- You arrive at a gatheringGreet those present and give them your attention.Reread the connection between salam and affection
- A newcomer is standing apartOffer them salam and introduce yourself if the situation is suitable.Read the Prophet’s answer
- You visit a familyInclude the children in your greeting and give them time to respond.Read Anas’s example
Sources
- Sahih Muslim · 54aBegin salam without waiting for others
- Sahih al-Bukhari · 6236Greeting people you do not know too
- Sahih al-Bukhari · 6247Greeting children when passing them