Tohfa-e-Dulhan Part 120

Main Topic

An explanation of the method, etiquettes, virtues, and spiritual benefits of greeting with Salam in Islam, based on Surah An-Nisa verse 86 and various Hadiths.

Key Lessons

• Method of Replying to Salam: A greeting should be replied to with better words or at least equal words. The complete form of Salam ends at wa barakatuh.
• Spreading Peace: Regularly greeting family, children, and fellow Muslims creates mutual love, harmony, and safety in society while repelling Shaitan.
• Exalted Status of Salam: Salam is one of Allah's names sent to earth. Even in Jannah, believers, angels, and Allah Ta'ala Himself will use words of Salam.
• Universal Greeting: Salam should be offered to all Muslims regardless of whether one knows them or where they are from.
• Caution Regarding Malls: Visiting shopping centers unnecessarily exposes one to fitnah and spiritual darkness, unlike going for a specific necessity.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah An-Nisa (Verse 86): Mandates replying to a greeting with a better or equal response.
• Surah Yasin: Mentions that Allah Ta'ala will greet the inhabitants of Jannah with Salam.
• Hadith (Sahih Muslim): The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam stated that one will not enter Jannah without Iman, and Iman is incomplete without mutual love, which is cultivated by spreading Salam.
• Hadith (Bukhari/Muslim): Feeding people and greeting everyone—whether known or unknown—are among the best deeds in Islam.
• Hadith: The nearest people to Allah Ta'ala are those who initiate the greeting.

Practical Advice

• Frequently greet family members with Salam upon entering or leaving the house to bring peace and blessings into the home.
• Initiate Salam with children first to teach them Islamic character and Sunnah etiquettes.
• Avoid frequenting shopping malls for leisure or killing time to safeguard the heart from fitnah.
• Maintain proper hijab and non-mahram boundaries; women must avoid shaking hands or unnecessary direct conversation with non-mahram relatives.