The Beauty of Salam

28 Jun, 2009  Random, Socializing

Not a lot of people know this, but I just thought I’d share what Salam means since if you’re in Qatar, you’ve probably heard it quite a lot.

No I’m not talking about the shop, but rather the greeting. Salam literally means ‘peace’. It’s a way of encouraging people to see and seek peace.

Culturally, the person who enters a room is the one who greets or says “Salam”. A person who leaves the room can also be kind enough to wish you ‘peace’ before leaving.

When in an elevator, I usually smile and say salam, and then say it again as I exit. Of course this is the case in any welcoming environment.

There are a few replies to Salam as well.

“Wa alykum al salam” is the standard response which means “And peace with you too”. However in the interest of simplicity, you can simply say ‘Al Salam’.

So go on, with your new found knowledge, learn to say Salam more! A simple word that’ll give people a smile for the day.

  • A.W.

    This is awesome — thanks. Salam…

  • http://www.kenza4u.blogspot.com Eone

    Salam, the greeting of ” peace ” is much better than ” Good Morning” yet……( not that I against “Good Morning” or anything) yeah. Incha Allah, will practice myself :) ..thanks.

    Wassalam

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    Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which the Qatari Government is a signatory of states: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any medias and regardless of any frontiers.

    The Emiri Decision Number 86 of the year 2007 on the establishment of the Doha Free Information Centre marked yet another step towards establishing a State of rights and freedom of speech. The decision stipulated that the Centre be a non-profit organization, headquartered in Doha City, and have the authority to establish other affiliated centres inside and outside Qatar. It is worth mentioning that His Highness the Emir issued a decision in 1998 annulling the ministry of information, giving birth to a new era of freedom of speech where censorship was removed from local media.