Greeting (Salam) Etiquette Guide
Learn the beautiful rules of spreading peace. Who initiates the greeting, how to reply, and the immense rewards involved.
Social MannersThe Reward Multiplier
A man passed by the Prophet ﷺ and said a greeting. Based on what he said, the Prophet specified his exact reward in good deeds (Hasanat).
(Peace be upon you)
(...and the mercy of Allah)
(...and His blessings)
Who Initiates the Salam?
The Prophet ﷺ laid out specific rules regarding who should initiate the greeting when two people or groups meet. While the one who initiates gets the most reward, the Sunnah dictates a logical hierarchy to show respect.
Walker to Sitter
A person who is walking or moving should initiate the greeting to the person who is sitting down or stationary.
Rider to Walker
A person who is riding (in a car, on a bike, or horse) should initiate the greeting to the person who is walking.
Small Group to Large Group
The smaller group of people should initiate the greeting to the larger group of people.
Young to Old
Out of respect and honor, the younger person should initiate the greeting to the older person.
Key Rulings & Etiquette
The Obligation to Reply
Initiating the Salam is a highly recommended Sunnah (voluntary), but replying to it is Wajib (obligatory). If a group is greeted, it is sufficient if one person from the group replies.
Entering an Empty House
If you enter your own house and it is empty, you should still say Salam. The angels present will reply to you, and it brings immense Barakah (blessing) to the household.
Replying with Better
The Quran commands: "When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally." (4:86). If someone says the 10-reward version, reply with the 20 or 30-reward version.