وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا
Greetings with Salam.
Lesson 5—"When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or at least return it equally."
The Boy Who Changed His Street
There was a young boy named Yusuf who lived on a quiet street where the neighbours rarely spoke to one another. Some were busy, some were shy, and some had simply forgotten how to be friendly.
One morning, Yusuf's father sat him down and said, "My son, the Prophet ﷺ told us that spreading Salam is one of the best deeds. Why don't you try greeting everyone you meet today?"
Yusuf was nervous, but he tried. At the bakery, he smiled and said, "Assalamu Alaikum!" The baker's face lit up. At the park, he waved at an elderly man and said, "Wa Alaikumus Salam, uncle!" The man smiled for the first time in weeks.
By the end of the week, the whole street knew Yusuf. People started greeting each other. A cold street became warm — all because one child remembered the Sunnah of Salam.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "You will not enter Jannah 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 Salam among yourselves." (Muslim)
Why Greeting with Salam Matters
- It is a du'a. Assalamu Alaikum means "Peace be upon you." Every time you greet someone, you are asking Allah to bless them with peace.
- It breaks barriers. A smile and a warm Salam can turn a stranger into a friend.
- It follows the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ always greeted first, and he taught us to greet even those we do not know.
- It builds love. When a community greets one another, envy and hatred find no place to grow.
Try This at Home
This week's family challenge: The "Salam Challenge." Every day this week, each family member must greet at least three people with a smile and a clear Assalamu Alaikum — a neighbour, a shopkeeper, a classmate, or a relative. Share your stories at dinner.
Tip for parents: Teach children to say Salam with confidence, not a mumble. Practice together: stand tall, make eye contact, smile, and say it clearly. Remind them: "Your Salam might be the only kindness someone receives today."
🖨️ Free Printable Poster
Print this poster and place it near your front door or in your child's school bag. Right-click and "Save image" — or screenshot the poster below.
Say it clearly and with love
Greet first — don't wait
Peace is a gift you can give for free
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ