In our era of globalization, we often come into contact with people different from us. This is particularly true in international business settings. Want to greet a Muslim respectfully? A few simple rules will help you do that.
1Use the Salam greeting when meeting a Muslim. Greet a Muslim as they would greet one another.
Use the phrase “As-Salam-u-Alaikum” (“Peace be unto you”).[1]
This is pronounced “as-saa-laam-muu-ah-lay-kum.”
You might also choose to use the longer greeting of “As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh” (“Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his blessings”).
The pronunciation is “us-saa-laam-muu-alie-kum waa-rah-ma-tull-laa-hee wa-bara-kaa-tu-hu.”
Do not expect the Salam greeting from a Muslim. Traditionally, the Salam greeting is reserved for those of the Muslim faith, so if you are not Muslim, you might not receive this greeting.[2]
Some current Islamic scholars believe that, in the interest of global peace and understanding, it is permitted to initiate the Salam greeting with non-Muslims.
If you do receive the Salam greeting, respond with “wa-Alaikumussalam wa-Rahmatullah.”
The pronunciation is “waa-alie-kum-us-salam waa-rah-ma-tull-la”
The meaning is “May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.”[3]
The longer response is “waa-alai-kum-us-salam-wa-rahma-tall-ahi-wa-ba-ra-ka-tu”.