At a glance
السلام عليكم
- Main greeting
- السلام عليكم
- Transliteration
- as-salāmu ʿalaykum, often written assalamualaikum
- Pronunciation
- as-sa-LAA-mu a-LAY-kum
- Literal meaning
- peace be upon you
- Reply
- wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام)
- Other greetings
- Eid Mubarak, Ramadan Mubarak, Jumuah Mubarak
What makes a greeting Islamic
The core Islamic greeting is salam, which means "peace". Muslims greet each other with assalamualaikum, "peace be upon you", which is a prayer for the other person's peace and not only a hello.
Alongside it, Muslims use short phrases for special days and occasions. Many include the word mubarak, which means "blessed", or a prayer such as "may God accept from us and from you".
Everyday Islamic greetings
The most common greeting is assalamualaikum, and the reply is wa alaykum as-salam. Many people add wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh to give the fullest form. Our guide to assalamualaikum explains the meaning, the reply and the full greeting in detail.
For general greetings, Muslims also use ordinary Arabic phrases such as marhaba, "hello", and ahlan wa sahlan, "welcome". People of every faith use these in the Arabic-speaking world.
Greetings for special days
Muslims celebrate two main Eids. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth of Dhul Hijjah. The usual greeting on both is Eid Mubarak, and many also say taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum, "may God accept from us and from you". The Islamic holidays page lists the dates each year.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. At its start and throughout it, people say Ramadan Mubarak, "blessed Ramadan", or Ramadan Kareem, "generous Ramadan". Our Ramadan guide explains the month in more detail.
On Fridays, many Muslims say Jumuah Mubarak, "blessed Friday". Kul am wa antum bi-khayr, "may you be well every year", is used for Eid, the new year and birthdays across the Arab world.
Greetings for morning, evening and goodbye
Arabic has set greetings for the time of day. Sabah al-khair means "good morning" and the reply is sabah an-nur. Masa al-khair means "good evening" and the reply is masa an-nur. To say goodbye, Muslims often say fi amanillah, "in God's protection", or assalamualaikum again as they leave.
Islamic greetings and replies at a glance
This table brings the main greetings together, with the Arabic and when to use each.
| Greeting | Arabic | Meaning | When it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| As-salamu alaykum | السلام عليكم | Peace be upon you | The standard greeting |
| Wa alaykum as-salam | وعليكم السلام | And upon you be peace | The standard reply |
| As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh | السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته | Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings | The full greeting |
| Eid Mubarak | عيد مبارك | Blessed Eid | Greeting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha |
| Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum | تقبل الله منا ومنكم | May God accept from us and from you | Said at Eid and after acts of worship |
| Ramadan Mubarak | رمضان مبارك | Blessed Ramadan | Greeting at the start of and during Ramadan |
| Ramadan Kareem | رمضان كريم | Generous Ramadan | Another Ramadan greeting |
| Jumuah Mubarak | جمعة مباركة | Blessed Friday | Greeting on Fridays |
| Kul am wa antum bi-khayr | كل عام وأنتم بخير | May you be well every year | Eid, the new year and birthdays |
| Sabah al-khair | صباح الخير | Good morning | Reply with sabah an-nur |
| Masa al-khair | مساء الخير | Good evening | Reply with masa an-nur |
| Fi amanillah | في أمان الله | In God's protection | Saying goodbye |
Examples of Islamic greetings
- Assalamualaikum, how are you?
- Peace be upon you, how are you?
- Eid Mubarak! Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum.
- Blessed Eid! May God accept from us and from you.
- Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family.
- Wishing you and your family a blessed Ramadan.
Common questions
What is the Islamic greeting?
The Islamic greeting is assalamualaikum, which means "peace be upon you". The reply is wa alaykum as-salam, "and upon you be peace". Muslims use it worldwide when meeting and parting, and add wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh for the fullest form. For special days they use phrases such as Eid Mubarak and Ramadan Mubarak.
How do you greet someone on Eid?
The usual greeting is Eid Mubarak, which means "blessed Eid". Many Muslims also say taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum, "may God accept from us and from you", and kul am wa antum bi-khayr, "may you be well every year". A simple reply is to repeat the greeting back or to say thank you.
What do you say at the start of Ramadan?
Muslims say Ramadan Mubarak, which means "blessed Ramadan", or Ramadan Kareem, "generous Ramadan". Both are warm wishes, and you can reply by repeating the greeting. They are used at the start of the month and throughout it. Some Muslims prefer Ramadan Mubarak, so it is the safer choice if you are unsure which to use.
Can non-Muslims use Islamic greetings?
Yes. Non-Muslims often use Eid Mubarak and Ramadan Mubarak to greet Muslim friends and colleagues, and Muslims usually appreciate the thought. Assalamualaikum is also a kind way to greet a Muslim. If you are unsure which one fits, a simple "Happy Eid" or "Ramadan Mubarak" is a safe and friendly choice.
How do you say good morning in Arabic?
Say sabah al-khair, which means "good morning", and reply sabah an-nur, "morning of light". In the evening say masa al-khair, with the reply masa an-nur. These greetings are used by Arabic speakers of every faith, and Muslims often use them alongside assalamualaikum. For a general hello, marhaba works in most Arabic-speaking countries.
Explore more Arabic phrases
- Assalamualaikumالسلام عليكمPeace be upon you. The Muslim greeting, how to reply and the full form.
- Jazakallah Khairجزاك الله خيراMay God reward you with good. An Islamic way to say thank you.
- Eid Mubarakعيد مباركThe greeting for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, with its meaning and replies.
- Ramadan Mubarakرمضان مباركThe greeting for the month of fasting, with its meaning and replies.
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This page is a general guide. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar.