3. Start with the Islamic Greeting of Peace

It is compulsory for every one of us to say ‘Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh’ (peace be upon you and so may the mercy of Allah and blessings) to show a desire of having sympathy for others. It has a greater implication in a sense that one does not know when or where someone is struck with a misery, so it is emphasized in our religion to hope for the best for fellow Muslims. Whether you know a Muslim or not, the greeting of peace or saying ‘Assalaamu alaykum’ (peace be upon you) is recommended. In one Hadith, a man asked Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). about which aspect of Islam was best. Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). replied:

تُطْعِمُ الطَّعَامَ، وَتَقْرَأ السَّلامَ عَلَى مَنْ عَرَفْتَ وَمَنْ لَمْ تَعْرِفْ

“Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don’t know.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

It will repel hatred and create love between you. It is unfortunate that when we meet today we say ‘Salaamz’. It is common to greet in such a manner. Some justify it by saying that our intention to greet is there. However, a Hadith teaches us that the correct manner of greeting will fetch us great reward and blessings, and the longer the greeting the greater the reward…

“A man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and said: Peace be upon you! He responded to his salutation. He then sat down. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: Ten [rewards]. Another man came and said: Peace and Allah’s mercy be upon you! He responded to his salutation when he sat down. He said: Twenty. Another man came and said: Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you! He responded to him and said when he sat down: and blessings be upon you! He responded to him and said when he sat down: Thirty.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

Habituate yourself with saying the full and complete greeting and earn 30 rewards every single time you greet someone.

4. Inquire about People

When meeting a person, ask them how they are doing and inquire about their health and well-being. They will feel loved and cared for.

It is also highly advisable and wise to inquire about others` family and friends. This action helps to boost affiliations with others, who would feel cared and highly revered. It also shows that one has greater concern for not only people who are present, but also those who are away. This ultimately results in strengthening of relationships when they come to know about being asked about their health and condition.