Salam is an Arabic word. It means peace, tranquillity, well-being, prayer, comfort, joy and so on.

Salam is an honourable Islamic greeting of welcome. Allah the Exalted first taught salam to Adam (AS). After creating Adam (AS), Allah the Exalted commanded him to greet the angels with salam. When he did, the angels also replied.

Assalamu Alaikum means "may peace be upon you".

Through salam, people wish peace and well-being for one another. Giving salam before speaking when meeting a Muslim brother is the practice of the Prophet (PBUH), and replying to it is obligatory.

According to hadith, when one Muslim meets another, he should give salam before talking. The virtues of salam are many. First of all, giving salam and replying to it (Wa Alaikumus Salam) is sunnah.

It is narrated in Mishkat that a man once came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, "Assalamu Alaikum." He said 10 good deeds had been written for the man. Then another man came and said, "Wa Rahmatullah." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied and said 20 good deeds had been written for him. Then another man came and said, "Wa Barakatuhu." The Prophet (PBUH) replied to him too and said 30 good deeds had been written for him.

Describing the virtue of salam, the Prophet (PBUH) said that when two Muslims meet and give salam and musafaha (a handshake), all their sins are forgiven before they part. Salam also removes envy and hatred between people and protects against pride. Salam everywhere will create love and goodwill among people.

Source: Banglanews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.