The Sunnah of Greeting and Handshake

Prophetic Etiquette of Love, Unity & Humility

In Islam, greeting others is not a mere social custom—it is an act of worship and a powerful means of spreading love, mercy, and unity. The Sunnah of greeting (Salām) and handshake (Muṣāfaḥah) builds strong bonds between hearts and removes hatred, pride, and distance.

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized greeting so strongly that it became a distinct identity of the Muslim community.

The Importance of Salām in Islam

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salām among yourselves.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 68)

This shows that Salām:

• Strengthens īmān

• Creates love

• Unites the community

How to Give Salām

The Complete Greeting

Arabic:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

Meaning:
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that:

• Saying more complete Salām brings more reward

• Even a simple Salām is rewarded

Who Should Greet First?

From the Sunnah:

• The rider greets the walker

• The walker greets the one sitting

• The smaller group greets the larger group

• The young greets the elder

These rules promote humility and respect.

Greeting Even Those You Don’t Know

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged greeting:

• Those you know

• Those you do not know

This removes barriers and spreads peace.

Responding to Salām Is Obligatory

Allah ﷻ commands:

“When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with one better than it or return it equally.”

-(Quran 4:86)

Responding to Salām:

• Is wājib (obligatory)

• Strengthens brotherhood

• Brings reward

The Sunnah of Handshake (Muṣāfaḥah)

The Prophet ﷺ practiced handshake when meeting companions.

He ﷺ said:

“When two Muslims meet and shake hands, their sins are forgiven before they part.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, 5212)

Handshake:

• Removes grudges

• Purifies hearts

• Strengthens bonds

How to Shake Hands

From Prophetic practice:

• Use the right hand

• Shake gently, not forcefully

• Maintain humility

• Do not rush to withdraw the hand

Greeting With a Smile

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Your smile to your brother is charity.”
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 1956)

A smile with Salām:

• Multiplies reward

• Softens hearts

• Reflects good character

When Handshake Is Not Allowed

From Islamic etiquette:

• No physical contact between non-maḥram men and women

• Salām is still given verbally

Modesty is always preserved.

Tibb-e-Nabawi & Health Wisdom

Greeting and handshake:

• Reduce stress

• Improve emotional well-being

• Create positive social bonds

A warm greeting can be healing for the heart.

Spiritual Reflection

Salām reminds us that:

• Peace is the foundation of Islam

• Humility opens hearts

• Brotherhood is built through small acts

A believer spreads peace wherever he goes.

Conclusion

The Sunnah of greeting and handshake is a powerful means of spreading peace, love, and unity. By giving Salām generously, responding beautifully, shaking hands with sincerity, and smiling, a Muslim revives a Sunnah that purifies hearts and strengthens the Ummah.

Reviving Salām revives brotherhood.