Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an (what means) : "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or (atleast) return it equally. Certainly Allah is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things." (Surah An-Nisa, ayah86)

As salaamu alaikum! Proper and just interaction is a very integral part of any Muslim ummah. The greeting As salaamu alaikum starts building one of the most important foundations for that interaction.

Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, "You will not enter paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love one another, shall I tell you something which if you did you will love one another: spread salaams (the greeting of peace) among you." (Sahih Muslim)

But today much too often the greeting is taken for granted or delivered in a nonchalant way. Is this because we as Muslims are over exering ourselves spreading the the word of Allah Ta'ala or is this because we are getting too sidetracked by wordly attractions?? Unfortunately, it is sad to have to ask such a question, after all spreading salaams to those whom you know and dont know is a right all muslims have over each other. Abu Umamah sudaiy bin Ajilan al - Bahli relates that the Holy Prophet (SAWS) said: "The person closet to Allah is the one who precedes others in greeting." (Abu Dawud)

Also in Imam Tirmithee version of this same Hadeeth he relates: The Holy Prophet (SAWS) was asked: "O Messenger of Allah (SAWS)! When two persons meet each other, who should take the lead to greeting the others? He answered, "The one who is closer to Allah."

In the Qur'an and in the Sunnah we can find the importance and the benefits of spreading salaams explained numerously, such as in Surah Al Nur, ayah 61, "... But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, Subhannahu Wa Ta'ala, blessed and sweet...", here we are reminded of the mannerism that we should use when spreading salaams.

Many may question the relevance of discussing such an issue like the deliverance of salaams when there are many other social problems facing the ummah today, Wallahu Alam, but maybe if more of the lesser problems are addressed and solved many of the bigger problems will be alleviated ~! ~ AM/Editorial