TazKiRaH~2

As-Salaam Alaikum ( May Peace Be Upon You)
-taken from article of Biah Solehah Campaign (BSC) CFS IIUM-

"He created man. He taught him eloquent speech." [Soorah ar-Rahman (55):3-4]

Islaam is the religion of Peace. The word 'Islaam' comes from the root-word Salaam meaning 'Peace'. The greeting of Salaam is a symbol of Islaam. Salaam exists since the time of Adam and is the greeting of the people of Paradise. Allah chose salaam as greeting for His creation. The Messenger of Allah said: "When Allah created Adam, He told him: 'Go and greet those group of angles who were sitting and listen to how they greet you, for it will be your greeting and that of your descendants. So he said: 'As-salaam Alaikum' and they responded: "Wa-alaikum as-salaam wa-rahmatullah' they added: 'wa-rahmatullah' " [Agreed upon] It is also one of the Exalted Names of Allah, the source of peace and protection. Salaam is a greeting from Him.

"When you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah (i.e. say 'As-salaam Alaikum') blessed and good." [Soorah an-Noor (24):61]

Salaam is a distinctive aspect of a Muslims social conduct. Greeting someone with Salaams is a kind of invocation for his welfare and blessings. It instills brotherly love and strengthens the ties of brotherhood and closeness, and mutual relationships result in a strong and unwavering society. Abu Hurayrah reported the Messenger of Allah said: "By Him in Whose Hand in my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Should I not guide you to something which will install love amongst you: 'Spread salaams amongst you.' " [Abu Dawood (v:3, no:5174)]