Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh (وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته) is a simple yet effective reply to Asslam o Alaikum. This phrase is not a mere group of words rather it has a deeper and invoking meaning reflecting the core value of Islam i.e., peace. The translation of Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh is, “May peace, mercy, and Allah’s blessings be upon you too”. It is a slightly longer version of “Walaikum Assalam” and “Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi” which mean “May peace be upon you too” and “May peace and His mercy be upon you too” respectively. The longer version comprises more blessings and duas for the receiver. It has the power to bring people closer to each other and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) by recognizing His divine blessings. 

Islam is such a magnificent religion that even small gestures such as greeting others politely have a huge impact. Islam has always guided the Muslim ummah to live a life that is full of purpose and one of the ways, you can make a significant change in your life is by greeting others properly. It is the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions to say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh when responding to another Muslim’s greeting.

Pronunciation Guide for Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

Learn how to say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh correctly. This phrase is phonetically spelled as 'Wa-alay-kum-us-sa-lā-mu-wa-raḥ-ma-tu-llā-hi wa-ba-ra-kā-tuh.'

Let's have a look at the individual sounds:

1. Wa: Pronounced like "wa" in "wash"

Sounds like 'waa'

2. Alaykumu:

Al: Pronounced like "al" in "wall"

Sounds like "al"

Ay: Pronounced like "ay" in "day"

Sounds like "ayee"

Ku: Pronounced like "kuu" in "kudos"

Sounds like "kuu"

Mu: Pronounced like "mu" in "mushy"

Sounds like "mu"

3. Salam:

Sa: Pronounced like "sa" in "salah"

Sounds like "sa"

Lam: Pronounced like "lam" in "lama"

Sounds like "laam"

4. Wa: Pronounced like "wa" in "war"

Sounds like "waa"

5. Rahmatullahi:

Rah: Pronounced like "rah" with emphasis on "h" in "hurrah"

Sounds like "rah"

Ma: Pronounced like "ma" in "machine"

Sounds like "ma"

Tu: Pronounced like "tu" in "tube"

Sounds like "tu"

La: Pronounced like "la" in "lamb"

Sounds like "la"

Hi: Pronounced like "hi" in "hippo" with a strong emphasis on "I"

Sounds like "heee"

Wa: Pronounced like "wa" in "war"

Sounds like "wa"

6. Barakatuh:

Bara: Pronounced like “ba” in “baba” and ra in “rap”

Sounds like “baraahh”

Ka: Pronounced like "ka" in "karate"

Sounds like "kaa"

Tuh: Pronounced like "tuh" with a strong emphasis on "h"

Sounds like "tuhh"

Putting It All Together

Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh: ‘Wa-alay-kum-us-sa-lā-mu-wa-raḥ-ma-tu-llā-hi wa-ba-ra-kā-tuh.’

Tips for Pronunciation

• Emphasis: The primary emphasis should be on key syllables like "rah," "tuh," "hi."
• Flow: Try to maintain a smooth flow between the syllables, avoiding breaks between them.
• Practice: Repeat the word several times slowly, then gradually increase your speed.

When to Say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh?

Say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh in response to your Muslim brother or sister's Salam or greeting. When a Muslim greets you with Assalam Alekum, respond with Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. Muslims all around the globe say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh on different occasions, some of which are discussed below. 

Meeting Someone

When you are meeting someone, and they say Asslam o Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh to greet you, then the best way to answer their greeting is by saying "Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh."

Saying Goodbye

A simple goodbye doesn't hold the power to bless someone and leave him under the shadow of divine blessing. However, saying "Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh" as a means to bid farewell is a better supplication.

Greeting Guests

It is natural for your guests to say Salam the moment they arrive at your doorstep. Islam emphasizes greeting guests in an attractive and better way; thus, the best greetings will be Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh." Irrespective of the situation, this greeting will leave a strong impact. It is a beautiful approach to express your faith and respect towards people. Moreover, a beautiful dua to give to anyone looking for the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and peace.

Significance in Islam in Light of the Quran and Hadith 

Islam is a religion whose core values are peace and harmony. It places emphasis on bringing tranquillity and unity to the Muslim Ummah. Saying Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh encapsulates the essence of greetings in Islam, which go beyond social and cultural courtesies. When Muslims utter these words, they're not only greeting the other person, but they're also blessing them with Allah's mercy and protection. 

In Surah Nisa, verse no 86, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) instructs Muslims to greet one another gracefully by saying:

"When you are greeted with a greeting, then greet with one fairer, or repeat the same greeting. For God takes account of all things." 4:86

This phrase expresses a desire to receive Allah's favor on oneself and the other. Along with that, by saying 'Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,' you're invoking His benevolence, mercy, and immense protection. Replying to the salam of a fellow is the right of every Muslim. Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah's Messenger, what are these? Thereupon, he said: When you meet him, offer him greetings; when he invites you to a feast, accept it. When he seeks your council gives him, and when he sneezes and says:" All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you), and when he fails, I'll visit him, and when he dies follow his bier. Sahih Muslim 2162 b.

Similarly, it is narrated in Sunan Ibn e Majah  from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ):

"O Messenger of Allah, which (aspect) of Islam is the best?" He said: "Offering food (to the needy) and greeting with Salam those whom you know and those whom you do not know."

These ahadiths and Quranic verses show the significance of Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh in Islam. This greeting strengthens the bond of solidarity among Muslims and promotes a positive attitude.

Say Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh With Muslim and Quran

Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh is not just a formal greeting. It is a warm exchange of words that lets Muslims connect with one another on a deeper level. It is a profound expression of faith and a reminder of Allah's sovereignty. This simple greeting should be incorporated more and more in daily life to bless everyone with divine blessings.

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