In Islam, not only is greeting considered a social courtesy, but it also has spiritual substance. The most beautiful and satisfying greeting that may be offered by a Muslim is “Assalamualaikum,” or “Peace be upon you.” To respond, the most appropriate is “Walaikum Assalam,” or “And peace be upon you, too.” These are not just words, but a prayer, a blessing, and an affirmation that there is an Islamic brother.
Here, we will be discussing:
- Walaikum Assalam meaning
- Alternate spelling such as Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi Barakatuh
- Walaikum Assalam in Arabic
- The respect of the Islamic greeting returns
- Why is it so profoundly spiritually meaningful in Islam
We will also provide Arabic texts, transliterations, and everyday usage to those instructing or studying Islamic greetings.
What Does Walaikum Assalam Mean?
Walaikum Assalam (also: Wa Alaikum Assalam) is “And peace be upon you.” It is the return greeting of “Assalamualaikum,” which is “Peace be upon you.” It is Quranic and Hadith-based and shows the significance of the value Islam accords to peace, regard for one another, and spiritual goodwill.
Longer Forms of the Greeting
Islamic greetings can be extended with additional blessings.
For example:
- Walaikum Assalam – “And peace be upon you.”
- Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah – “And peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.”
- Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh – “And peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”
This is the extended version and is recommended most, with this one being quoted in many Hadiths as being more rewarded.
Walaikum Assalam in Arabic Text
The following are the most commonly utilized versions in Arabic script with transliterations:
- وعليكم السلام
Transliteration: Walaikum Assalam - وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله
Transliteration: Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah - وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
Transliteration: Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
These can be pasted and copied to learn or share:
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh in Arabic Text
Walaikum Assalam Meaning in English
Let’s break the entire phrase:
- Walaikum: “And upon you”
- Assalam: “Peace”
- Wa Rahmatullahi: “And the mercy of Allah”
- Wa Barakatuh: “And His blessings”
Then, “Wa’alaikum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu” means in English:
“And peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”
This complete response is preferred because it doubles the blessings shared in the greeting.
Walaikum Assalam Meaning in Urdu
The meaning of Walaikum Assalam in Urdu is:
“اور آپ پر بھی سلامتی ہو”
While the extended version:
“اور آپ پر بھی سلامتی، اللہ کی رحمت اور برکتیں ہوں”
This beautifully conveys the depth and blessings inherent in this Islamic reply.
Quranic Basis for Islamic Greetings
Islamic greetings are not arbitrary—instead, they are quite rooted in the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa (4:86), Allah declares:
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or (at least) return it equally.”
(Surah An-Nisa (4:86))
What it is essentially saying, nonetheless, is that if you greet with Assalamualaikum, then the minimum that we must use in our return is:
- Walaikum Assalam (same), or
- Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh (More polite)
Hadith on Islamic Greetings
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was observing that greetings with peace are significant. In Sahih Muslim, it is stated:
“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, you will love one another? Spread peace among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim)
It demonstrates that greeting each other with peace is a deed of worship and affection to Allah.
Replying according to the Level of the Greeting
|
Greeting Given |
Proper Response |
|
Assalamualaikum |
Walaikum Assalam |
|
Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullah |
Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah |
|
Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh |
Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh |
You can always respond with something even more equal or blessed.
Variations & Proper Spelling
As a result of geographical and phonetic differences, you may notice minor variations in spelling. For example, these include:
- Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
- Walaikum Assalam Rahmatullahi Barakatuh
- Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah
- Wa Alaikumussalam wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh
All are correct and valid, provided meaning is not compromised.
Benefits of Saying and Responding to Salam
- Spiritual Reward: Encourages love, harmony, and respect within the Muslim Ummah.
- Builds Brotherhood: Salam greeting depicts good behavior and a calm mind.
- Positive Impression: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had spoken: “The best of people are those who begin the greeting.
- Elevated Status: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had spoken: “The best of people are those who begin the greeting.”
Example Sentences
- “Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, brother. How are you today?”
- “JazakAllah Khair for your message, Walaikum Assalam.”
- “Walaikum Assalam Rahmatullahi Barakatuh, may Allah accept your du’aa.”
Practical Tips for Using the Greeting
- Always greet with intention: Express salam with genuine dua.
- Pronounce properly: Don’t mutter; say it loudly and joyfully.
- Use the full version regularly: If possible, use “Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.”
- Teach children early: Make them memorize and practice it in daily life.
For further reading
Final Thoughts
Walaikum Assalam, especially its longer version Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, is not a ceremony, but is a beautiful description of faith. It brings peace, strengthens ties, and multiplies barakah.
Learning and applying this simple yet strong Islamic practice can help spread a more religious, loving, and respectful Muslim community.
Whether you’re a new Muslim, a teacher, or a parent teaching your children, the next time someone says “Assalamualaikum,” remember: respond from the heart and say, “Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.”
May peace, mercy, and blessings be upon us all.
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. If any mistake is found, kindly contact us so we may correct it. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”
