Chapter 2.3. Greeting

When entering or leaving your house, acknowledge those inside. Use the greeting of Muslims and the label of Islam: 'Assalam 'Alãikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakãtuh; Peace and mercy of Allah be with you.' Do not forego this Islamic greeting by replacing it with something else, such as 'Good Morning,' or 'Hello.' This greeting is the sign of Islam and the phrase that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) recommended and practiced. The greeting of Muslims and Islam is: Assalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah be upon you. The Prophet, peace be upon him, taught his faithful servant Anas bin Malik to greet his family when entering or leaving his house. Imam Al Tirmidhi reported that Anas said: 'The Messenger of Allah said to me, 'My son, greet your family when you enter [your home], for that is a blessing for you and your family.''
 
Qatada, a prominent follower (Tabi'y), said: 'Greet your family when you enter your house. They are the most worthy of your greeting.' Al- Tirmidhi reported another Hadith whereby Abu Hurairah (RA) stated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'If you join a gathering, greet them, and if you want to leave, dismiss yourself. The first is no less important than the second.'

Imam Al-Suyuti in his book 'Praising the Abyssinians' cited from Abo Taleb Al- Jumahi's Al-Tahyat the following: 'Every nation has a way of greeting. Arabs will say salams. Persians Emperors require prostrating and kissing the floor. The Persians touch their hand on the floor in front of the king. The Abyssinians quietly, gather their hands at their chest. The Romans uncover their head and bow. The Nubians would gesture as if kissing the guest and then putting both hands on their face.' All these greetings, except Salam, are forbidden.

Imam Nawawi in Al-Majmu said 'It is preferred to say 'Bismillahi Arrahman Arrahim' when you enter your house or others' houses. You ought to say Salam if you enter it regardless whether it was empty or occupied. You say a prayer when you go out. Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood narrated a Hadith by Anas that the Prophet said: 'If you say in the name of Allah, I seek help from Allah, no strength or means but with Allah. Then he will be told: you are protected and saved. The Satan will leave him.

He cited another Hadith narrated by Muslim that Jaber bin Abdullah related that he heard the Prophet, peace be upon him, saying: 'If you enter your house and pray to Allah when entering and before your meals, the Satan will say [to his group]: No sleep and no food. If you entered it without praying to Allah. Satan will say [to his group]: You secured your sleep and dinner.'

• Entering While Others Are Asleep
• Announcing Your Presence

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