#481
وَعَلَيْكُمْ
Transliteration
Wa 'alaykum
Translation
And upon you
Dua #481•Bukhari: 6258
How to Reply When Non-Muslims Say Salam
Evil ProtectionMasnun Duas40 RabbanasDua's Excellence
If the people of the Book say salam to you, here is your reply:
Hadith about the Dua
حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، أَخْبَرَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ أَبِي بَكْرِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَنَسُ بْنُ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا سَلَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ فَقُولُوا وَعَلَيْكُمْ " .
Translation
Narrated Anas bin Malik: the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If the people of the Scripture greet you, then you should say (in reply), 'Wa'alaikum (And on you).' " [Bukhari: 6258]
Benefits & Virtues
From Surah Araf, this dua asks Allah to protect us from zalimin. It brings safety and hidayah. A muslim who says it can stay on the right path and not join wrongdoers.
- Say this dua for protection from zalimin. Allah will keep you safe.
- Surah al Araf's rabbana dua brings hidayah. It keeps muslims far from evil.
- This islamic prayer for protection builds taqwa. Amal stays clean from wrong.
- Verses on protection make Iman strong. They give istiqamah when times are hard.
- Hearts stay pure with this dua for protection. Wrongdoers' path stays far away.
- When to Recite Walaikum
Common Questions
If the People of the Book say salam, you can reply. But say wa alaykum or alaykum only. Don't say wa alaykum al-salam. Sahih al bukhari shows this way.
Bukhari hadith and Muslim sources teach that Muslims should reply to salaam. It keeps Islamic manners. The Prophet taught us to do this.
Elderly non-Mahram women can get salam without handshake. But avoid greeting young women with salam. This keeps away from temptation as per Islamic dua guidance.
The Quran and Sunnah show different ways to greet. Salam or assalamualaikum - both are fine. Islamic duas allow either one. Muslims can use both greetings.
For someone not Muslim who dies, people often say may their soul rest in peace. Muslims can say inna lila hy wa inna ay laey hey rajey oun. This is part of Islamic prayers and duas for the dead.