Alaykum

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم) is an Arabic language greeting used in both Muslim and Christian cultures. It means "Peace be upon you." It is also transliterated as Assalamu 'Alaikum or As-salaamu Alaikum. The traditional response is "wa `Alaykum As-Salām", meaning "and on you be peace."

This type of greeting is common in the Middle East; it is similar to the Hebrew greeting of shalom aleichem.

The greeting is almost always accompanied by a handshake (when exchanged between persons of the same gender). The exception is Eid, when the hand shake is customarily preceded by three embraces. This practice however is not based on any Islamic ruling.

In Arabia the greeting is associated with three light kisses. In the Indian subcontinent the saying of Salaam is often accompanied with an obeisance, performed by bowing low and placing the right palm on the forehead. Neither of these is derived from Islamic custom, but are based in cultural traditions.

The Symbol of Islam