Is Greeting Someone With Just The Word “Salam” Correct?
Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
In verse 69 of Surah Hud, I see that Allah only uses the term salam instead of assalamu ‘alaykum. Therefore, I wonder if just greeting with salam instead of assalamu ‘alaykum is also correct in Islam.
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
The uses the Arabic rhetorical device ijaz, which means brevity. Therefore, details which are understood are omitted. The Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) said the full greeting.
The sunna is that we say the full greeting, so that is what we should strive to do. Whoever says the greeting first gets ninety good deeds, and whoever responds get ten. The one who greets first is superior. (Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al Muhtar)
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani