Spreading Salaams

One of the first words that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said on entering Madinah were: “O people! Spread Salaam (glad tidings/greetings of peace), feed (the poor and needy), maintain the ties of the wombs, and offer prayer when the people are normally asleep, and (thus) enter Paradise in peace.”

What is the meaning of spreading salaam? Is it merely to say the words: As-salaamu’alaykum (peace be upon you) to one another by way of greeting? Or does it have a deeper meaning?

Muslims who understand the true meaning of afshus-salaam (spreading salaam) will try and keep others secure from their sharr (evil) by thought, word and deed. That means: they will not act on the evil suggestions of their Self, by not thinking evil thoughts about others (envy / jealousy / enmity / suspicion / thoughts of a sexual nature). They will safeguard the tongue and stop themselves from speaking evil (lies / slander / gossip / backbiting / vain talk) about others. They will control their bodies and restrain themselves from physically harming others — by way of physical assault or taking an innocent life that is forbidden by Allah; or by indulging in unlawful physical contact.

If a Muslim does all this, he is said to extend salaam to others.

There are people who deliberately (or unknowingly) set out to spread the opposite of salaam. They create discord among husbands and wives, parents and children, among extended families, neighbours and communities, among nations and the Ummah.

Their situation is like the ones mentioned in the Quran:

“When it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “Why, we only want to make peace!” Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2: 11-12)