Among all the slogans that individuals and nations express in their interactions with one another, there is no phrase more meaningful than “Salam.” Truly, what is superior to two people declaring “Silm” to one another and saying “Silm upon you,” meaning peace, reconciliation, health, and serenity for you.
Islam is the religion of tranquility, peace, and good. It is the religion of brotherhood and fraternity. When we meet each other, we greet with Salam. This means I am your brother, and you are my brother, and I wish you health, well-being, and goodness. This health encompasses spiritual, social, physical, and all kinds of wellness.
Some individuals may start speaking without greeting others with Salam.
Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) said to a person who began speaking to him without Salam: “Salam precedes every word. May God grant you peace and health.”[1]
In another statement, the Imam said: “The miser is the one who refrains from greeting with Salam.”[2]
It is also said that the one who initiates Salam is performing a more valuable act. Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) also stated: “Greeting with Salam brings seventy good deeds, of which sixty-nine belong to the one who initiates it, and one part belongs to the responder.”[3]
This text has been adapted from the book “Fifteen Discourses” by martyr Professor Morteza Motahari.
Footnotes:
[1] Tuhaf al-Uqool, p. 246
[2] “The miser is the one who withholds Salam” (Tuhaf al-Uqool, p. 248)
[3] (Ibid)