JUG-2026-653Y4SXJ2J
Ruling on greeting with just the word 'salaam' and 'wa alaykum' openers
Question
Is it permissible to greet with just 'salaam' alone, and is it valid for someone to initiate a greeting with 'wa alaykum'?
Published anonymously
The questioner’s identity is hidden publicly. Authorized administrators may access it when necessary to manage the submission.
Answer
It is best to give and reply the full greeting, but according to the Shafi'i School and one Maliki position, saying just 'salam' while intending 'alaykum' in one's mind is valid though not best practice. Initiating a greeting with 'wa 'alaykum' is strange and invalid -- not sinful, just invalid, unless someone intentionally aims to alter the Sunnah.
Published
Your follow-up is private. Quote reference JUG-2026-653Y4SXJ2J so the scholar can see which answer you are asking about.
Helpful and Save are kept on this device only. Nothing about you is sent to JUG Q&A, and clearing your browser data clears them.