Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh meaning in Arabic and english
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh is the complete Islamic greeting, and its reply carries deep spiritual significance. The response — Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh — is not just words, but a heartfelt dua (supplication), returning peace, mercy, and blessings to the one who greeted first.
In this article, we’ll explore the Arabic text, transliteration, English meaning, pronunciation, Quranic reference, Hadith, etiquettes, and virtues of this beautiful Islamic greeting.
Arabic Text of the Greeting
وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Transliteration:
Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Meaning in English:
“And upon you be peace, the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.”
Pronunciation Guide
The correct pronunciation is:
“Wa-a-lay-kum as-sa-laam wa-raḥ-ma-tu(l)-lāhi wa-ba-ra-ka-tuh.”
Reciting it properly ensures the meaning is preserved and the greeting remains dignified.
Quranic Foundation for Replying to Salam
Allah ﷻ commands us in the Qur’an to reply to greetings with an equal or better response:
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Indeed, Allah is ever an Accountant over all things.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:86)
This ayah shows that replying to Salam is not optional — it is a divine command and an obligation (fard).
Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ emphasized the importance of Salam:
“When one of you meets his brother, let him greet him with Salam. If the other person responds, the one who initiated it will have a higher rank with Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
From this Hadith, we learn:
- Initiating Salam earns greater rewards.
- Replying completely fulfills an obligation and spreads peace.
Etiquettes of Replying to Salam
- Always respond with equal or better words.
- Reply promptly and sincerely.
- Smile when returning the greeting, as the Prophet ﷺ always did.
Examples:
- If someone says: As-Salamu Alaikum → Reply: Wa Alaikumus-Salam
- If someone says: As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah → Reply: Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullah
- If someone says: As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh → Reply: Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
This follows the Quranic command of returning greetings with equal or greater kindness.
Significance and Virtues
- Strengthens Brotherhood: Builds love, unity, and trust among Muslims.
- Earns Divine Rewards: Each Salam is recorded as a good deed.
- Spreads Peace: Establishes an atmosphere of mercy and harmony.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Spread Salam among yourselves.”
(Sahih Muslim, 54)
This shows Salam is not just a greeting — it is an act of worship and a means of spreading peace.
Practical Application in Today’s World
Even in our digital age, Salam can be exchanged through:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Online meetings
- Phone calls
Whether face-to-face or virtual, Salam keeps the Sunnah alive and fosters love within the Ummah.
Conclusion
The reply Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh is a simple yet powerful way of connecting with fellow Muslims. It fulfills a Quranic obligation, follows the Sunnah, and brings immense blessings.
Let’s make it a daily habit to greet and reply with sincerity, so peace and mercy spread within our homes, communities, and hearts.
Dua:
May Allah ﷻ make us among those who spread Salam with sincerity, uphold the Sunnah, and earn His mercy and blessings. Ameen.
FAQs
1. What does Wa Alaikumus-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh mean?
It means: “And upon you be peace, the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.”
2. Is replying to Salam obligatory?
Yes, replying is fard (obligatory), as commanded in Surah An-Nisa (4:86).
3. What if someone says only ‘As-Salamu Alaikum’?
You must at least reply “Wa Alaikumus-Salam,” though adding “wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh” is better.
4. Can Salam be exchanged online?
Yes, Salam is valid through any form of communication — messages, calls, or emails.
5. What are the rewards of spreading Salam?
It strengthens brotherhood, earns rewards, and spreads peace in society.
