SALAAM

means peace, or more precisely: safety, security. An abbreviated version of the Islamic greeting as-salaamu 'alaykum (peace be upon you).

Muslim scholar Qadi 'Iyad comments on the meaning of the Muslim greeting in these words:

> There are three possibilities contained by the expression, As-Salamu 'alaykum (Peace be upon you):

> 1) It means safety (salama) for you and with you - taking the word salam (peace) as a verbal noun.

> 2) As-Salam means your protection, being guarded and your preservation - in this case it is As-Salam as the name of Allah.

> 3) As-Salam in the meaning of musalama (reconciliation) and submission to him in the words of Allah, "No, by your Lord, they will not believe until they ask you to judge between them regarding what they disagree about. Then they will not find any impediment in themselves about your decision and will submit to you completely." (4:65) (Muhammad Messenger of Allah (Ash-Shifa of Qadi 'Iyad), Qadi 'Iyad Musa al-Yahsubi, translated by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley [Madinah Press, Inverness, Scotland, U.K. 1991; third reprint, paperback], pp. 250-251)

Further reading:

- Islam & Peace
- The Islamic Concept of Peace

Go Back to Main Index