"Ahmed Abdelwahab: On the International Day of Peace "Assalamu Alaikum: Two Words that Build Humanity

Throughout my journey teaching Arabic to non-native speakers، I launched free courses for my German colleagues to learn the Arabic language. We always begin with self-introductions and Arabic greetings، foremost among them being the Islamic greeting: Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you). As we know، language cannot be separated from its culture، which is why I take care to offer a rich linguistic and cultural explanation of this greeting. Each time I delve into the meanings of "Assalamu Alaikum،" I am met with amazement from my German colleagues، who discover the profound depth behind these words. One of my colleagues once remarked، "These aren’t just words; they’re a way of life، the best greeting I've ever heard."

And she was absolutely right; "Assalamu Alaikum" means، "I wish you peace، serenity، and safety." It is not just a passing salutation but a comprehensive philosophy of life. When applied sincerely، it can serve as a foundation for spreading universal values such as peace، cooperation، and compassion across all areas of our lives.

Assalamu Alaikum: A Call for Compassion and a Shield Against Bullying

When we use “Assalamu Alaikum” sincerely in our interactions، we open doors to kindness and affection، both in our daily lives and in work environments. This greeting carries a message of peace so profound that it inherently prevents harm or bullying. After all، one who wishes peace upon others cannot possibly be the source of their harm or discouragement.

Assalamu Alaikum: A Bridge to Safety and Trust

When a person begins to communicate with others using this wonderful greeting، they are building bridges of connection and safety، even in the most challenging situations. This simple phrase is not merely words spoken; it is a profound message that touches hearts and enhances security and tranquility. Let us consider some examples from our daily lives that illustrate this meaning:

1. In Difficult Situations with Strangers: If you find yourself in a tense situation with a stranger in a public place and you start the conversation with "Assalamu Alaikum،" both of you will feel a sense of relief. Those words melt the ice and alleviate tension، making it easier to engage positively.
2. Supporting a New Colleague at Work: When you help a new colleague overcome their anxiety during their first days at work، you provide them with psychological support and instill a sense of peace and tranquility within them. This inner peace embodies the true meaning of the greeting "Assalamu Alaikum،" even if you don’t say it aloud.
3. Guiding a Recent Graduate: When you share some of your experiences with a recent graduate to assist them at the beginning of their career journey، you grant them inner peace. We have all sought someone to guide us in our beginnings، and this outstretched hand of assistance represents the true essence of the greeting "Assalamu Alaikum،" even if you don’t verbalize it.
4.  Promoting Peace with Those Who Don’t Share Your Culture or Religion: When you greet someone who does not share your culture or faith with "Assalamu Alaikum،" you send a clear message that they are safe from you and will not face any threat. In a world filled with preconceived notions، this greeting reflects true peace. Imagine the profound impact those words can have in reducing fear and anxiety، providing a sense of security to those around you.

Assalamu Alaikum: If It Doesn’t Benefit، It Doesn’t Harm

If my intention is to spread peace and foster tranquility among those around me، I will offer help to those in need or، at the very least، refrain from causing them harm. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said، "If it doesn’t benefit him، it doesn’t harm him،" a golden principle that transforms the greeting "Assalamu Alaikum" into much more than a passing salutation; it is an invitation to peace، safety، and construction. It is a bridge between hearts، safeguarding against psychological and social hazards—something we desperately need in today’s world.

Assalamu Alaikum: A Greeting for Every Place and Time

I pondered why "Assalamu Alaikum" is not restricted to a specific time like "Good morning" or "Good evening،" and I found that peace should not be limited to a moment or occasion. It is a constant invitation to peace and safety at every moment of the day، in any place، and in all circumstances of life، whether in times of prosperity or adversity. This is why the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) urged us to spread peace among ourselves، for it increases love and diminishes conflicts: "Shall I not guide you to something that if you do، you will love one another? Spread peace among yourselves."

Assalamu Alaikum: A Blueprint for Building a World in Search of Peace

On International Peace Day، September 21، I find no better greeting than "Assalamu Alaikum" to serve as a guiding principle for building a more stable and peaceful world and nurturing well-rounded individuals. Let us take this greeting as a symbol of positive communication among all، and let it guide us in building bridges of safety and understanding while nurturing our children. May you all remain safe، secure، and at peace!