Title: Saying 'Assalaam Alaikum' in English Question: Is it viable to say 'Assalaam Alaikum' in English? Or does that change something in the meaning? Please explain the reasoning why the greeting should be in Arabic or if it could be in English? With prayers for your success. wassalam , Talha United States of America Answer: Greetings are an important feature in Islamic etiquette as it prescribes well wishing and a presentation of ones self as a believer in the One God. These few words which Muslims pronounce on a regular basis carry a loaded expression of a peaceful and harmonious meeting and parting. It communicates an amicable respect and recognition for the bond between Muslim brothers and sisters, but may still be pronounced to those outside the bond of Islam. Moiz Amjad writes: At the time of meeting, a Muslim should greet his brother with the words: السلام عليكم ( Assalaam `alaikum ). The addressees should subsequently respond with the words: وعليكم السلام (Wa `alaikum Assalaam). These words are, in fact, a supplication for the addressee for peace and blessings during the life of this world as well as the hereafter. These words have been referred to in the Qur'an as well as in sayings ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). As a further etiquette of greeting others, the Prophet is also reported to have said: 'The young should take precedence in greeting the old, the passer-by should take precedence in greeting the one who is sitting and the smaller group should first greet the larger group.'" Prophets of God have prescribed this greeting for millennia so in reality it is God who has enjoined this salutation upon us. The Prophets, who were from the progeny of Abraham, belonged to the people of the Semitic family of languages. This can be seen in various biblical verses translated in the various Semitic languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac etc... Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (John 20: 19) It should be kept in mind that all languages share a common feature in which certain expressions in the original language does not translate the full weight of meaning and articulation into other languages. Clearly, there is nothing wrong with saying " Assalaam 'Alaikum " in any language, however, the very spirit and thrust might not be conveyed in another language. I see no problem with wishing someone well in the many beautiful languages of the world but saying " Assalaam Alaikum " in the Arabic language distinctly identifies you as a Muslim and captures the very essence of blessings and peace we wish upon others. Nevertheless, translating this greeting in some other language cannot be considered as prohibited. I hope I have clarified the issue God knows best Ronnie Hassan February 8, 2003