481. Reply to Non-Muslim Greetings
When the people of the Book greet you, reply by saying:
Muslim Greetings in Arabic
وَعَلَيْكُمْ
Muslim Greetings English Transliteration
Wa 'alaykum
Muslim Greetings English Translation
And upon you
Hadith about the Dua
Arabic Text
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 " .
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 of Dua for Protection from Wrongdoers
This dua from Surah Araf asks Allah to keep us away from zalimin, giving safety and hidayah so a muslim can stay on the right path and not fall with people who do wrong.
- Allah keeps the one safe who makes this dua for protection from zalimin.
- Surah al Araf’s rabbana dua helps muslims get hidayah and stay away from evil.
- This islamic prayer for protection brings taqwa and keeps Amal clean from wrong.
- Verses on protection like this make Iman strong and give istiqamah in hard times.
- The dua for protection helps hearts stay pure and away from the path of wrongdoers.
When to Recite Walaikum
Walaikum is the reply taught in Sahih Al Bukhari for non-Muslim greetings, keeping manners and Barakah in every meeting, as shown in Islamic dua and masnoon duas for Muslims.
- When a non-Muslim greets you, answer with walaikum as taught in bukhari hadith.
- If someone says peace upon you but is not Muslim, reply with walaikum for adab.
- During work or school, use walaikum when non-Muslim friends greet you kindly.
- While walking on road, if a non-Muslim greets, respond with walaikum for respect.
- In any gathering, keep manners by saying walaikum as a reply to non-Muslim greetings.
How to perform Walaikum (Reply to Non-Muslim Greetings)
Replying with walaikum is a simple sunnah that keeps respect and follows the teaching of the Prophet. This short reply is easy to say and is found in sahih al bukhari as the right way for Muslims.
- When a non-Muslim greets you, answer with walaikum to keep the reply correct.
- If you hear salam from someone not Muslim, use upon you as your answer without adding more.
- While in a group, if a non-Muslim says salam, reply with walaikum for everyone to hear.
- After any greeting from a non-Muslim, remember this bukhari hadith and use walaikum only.
- When teaching kids about islamic prayers, show them how to reply with walaikum in a kind way.
Summary
The reply to non-Muslim greetings is simply walaikum, which means upon you. This short answer is taught in Sahih Al Bukhari and is a masnoon dua for Muslims when they get greetings from non-Muslims. It keeps the reply polite and follows the Sunnah as shown in Bukhari hadith.
By saying walaikum, Muslims show respect and keep their Amal correct without adding extra words. This Islamic dua is easy to remember and helps keep peace in daily talks. It is a simple way to follow the teachings of Islam and keep our hearts clean.