Topics
In the divine act of creation, Allah, the Almighty and Transcendent,
bestowed upon Hazrat Adam (A.S.) the honor of being the first human being. As
part of this primordial event, Allah commanded Hazrat Adam (A.S.) to approach a
congregation of angels and offer them a salutation of peace. Allah instructed
Adam to greet them with the words: "As-salāmu ʿalaykum" (Peace be upon you),
and to attentively listen to their response, for it contained a profound prayer
that would serve both him and his progeny. Upon following Allah’s command,
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) approached the assembly of angels and greeted them with the
prescribed salutation. The angels, in turn, responded with the expanded
invocation: "As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh" (Peace be upon you,
and the mercy and blessings of Allah). This expansion of the greeting is
significant, as it denotes not only peace but also the divine mercy and
blessings, which encapsulate the essential qualities of Allah's grace.
The importance of this salutation is underscored within the Quran, where
the angels, upon receiving the soul of the righteous believer at the time of
death, echo this greeting: "Thus, Allah rewards the righteous. When the
angels take their souls, they say, 'Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise as a
reward for what you used to do.'" (An-Nahl 31-32). This verse reflects the
spiritual state of purity and sanctity, wherein the righteous are greeted by
celestial beings with divine peace as they transition into the afterlife.
Moreover, the Quran further elucidates the role of the angels in
facilitating the entry of the righteous into Paradise. As these individuals
approach the gates of Heaven, the gatekeepers, representatives of divine mercy,
will greet them with the words: "And those who lived a life of purity and
obedience will be directed in groups towards Paradise. When they arrive, its
gates will be open, and its keepers will greet them with the words, 'Peace
be upon you. You have led a good life. Enter to dwell therein forever.'"
(Az-Zumar 73).
This greeting is not merely a verbal exchange, but a reflection of the
eternal peace, tranquility, and contentment that await those who have led lives
of piety and steadfastness.
As the righteous ascend into Paradise, the angels will continue to offer
their salutations at every threshold, imparting the words: "Peace be upon
you. This is the reward for your patience and steadfastness. What an excellent
place to settle in!" This salutation, encompassing both peace and divine
approval, highlights the intimate relationship between the righteous soul and
the celestial realm. Furthermore, the mutual exchanges of peace among the
inhabitants of Paradise further reinforce the divine order of harmony, mutual
respect, and spiritual fulfillment. The Quran illustrates this with the words:
"There, they will speak in unity, declaring 'Glory be to You, O Allah!'
Their mutual greeting will be 'Salām' (Peace)."
In examining the broader implications of this salutation, one must
recognize the universal brotherhood of humanity. Every human being, regardless
of race, ethnicity, or nationality, is a brother or sister, as all are
descendants of Hazrat Adam (A.S.) and Hawwa (A.S.). This shared ancestry
carries with it a profound ethical obligation to extend the invitation of truth
and mutual respect to all. The Quranic and prophetic teachings encourage
Muslims to approach every individual, regardless of background, with the
greeting of peace, as a reflection of divine compassion and solidarity with all
of humankind.
The greeting of peace, "As-salāmu ʿalaykum," serves not only as a
formal salutation but as a profound spiritual act that invokes Allah’s
protection, mercy, and blessings upon the recipient. It is a declaration of
goodwill and a prayer for the well-being of both the body and the soul. In this
context, the greeting fosters an atmosphere of harmony and unity, cultivating
peace both in the immediate interaction and in the broader social fabric. When
one greets another with "As-salāmu ʿalaykum," it is an expression
of heartfelt affection, protection, and a prayer for divine guidance.
The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) emphasized the ethical and social
significance of the greeting of peace, teaching that its practice strengthens
the bonds of love and mutual respect: "You will not enter Paradise until
you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Spread peace
amongst yourselves." This directive highlights that peace is both a
spiritual act and a social one, essential for fostering unity and brotherhood
within the Muslim community. The act of greeting with peace, therefore, is not
merely a formal gesture but a practice rooted in the cultivation of love,
kindness, and solidarity.
In the context of inter-human relations, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) taught
that when one greets another with "As-salāmu ʿalaykum," it signifies a deep,
personal prayer for the other’s well-being. It is a declaration of sincerity,
wherein the greeter prays for the safety, protection, and prosperity of the
recipient, both in this world and in the Hereafter. Such a greeting, imbued
with divine intentions, fosters peace in the hearts of the individuals involved
and contributes to the overall harmony of the society.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) further expounded on the profound significance of
the salutation of peace by stating: "Peace is one of Allah’s names, which
He has revealed to the earth. Therefore, spread peace among yourselves."
This statement encapsulates the sacredness of the greeting of peace, as it is
not merely a social convention but an embodiment of one of the divine
attributes of Allah. Thus, the act of spreading peace is a reflection of
Allah's own attributes and is a means by which individuals may draw closer to
the divine presence.
In conclusion, the greeting of peace, "As-salāmu ʿalaykum," is not only a
ritualistic or social practice but a profound spiritual act with far-reaching
implications. It serves as a means of invoking divine mercy, fostering unity,
and cultivating an environment of peace, love, and mutual respect among all
people.
Tajalliyat-The Divine Manifestation
KHWAJA SHAMS-UD-DEEN AZEEMI
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MERCIFUL, THE BENEVOLENT
Dedicated to those scientists, who are inching towards the cognizance of the facts, spotlighted by Allah Almighty, in the wake of their intelligent observation for the top vertex of scientific achievement, which is not other than the "Disastrous end of the Universe". And this is probably during 15th century of Lunar calendar.
