عليه السلام
alayhi as-salam
The English phrase "peace be upon him" is translated into Arabic as عليه السلام (alayhi as-salam).
Muslims use this honorific phrase when mentioning the names of prophets and certain other highly revered figures in Islamic tradition.
Meaning: honorific phrase used by Muslims (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alayhi, which means "upon him" and as-salam, which means "the peace".
Which one should you use?
While عليه السلام is used for prophets, the specific honorific reserved for the Prophet Muhammad is صلى الله عليه وسلم, which means "peace and blessings of God be upon him".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to a group of prophets or holy figures, use the masculine plural form عليهم السلام (peace be upon them) instead of the singular عليه السلام.
How do you pronounce it?
alayhi as-salam
Did you know?
- In the Arabic script, instead of typing out the full phrase, many writers use a single, complex calligraphic character that combines all the words into one beautiful symbol.
- While عليه السلام is for prophets, the phrase رضي الله عنه is used specifically for the companions of the Prophet Muhammad to mean 'may God be pleased with him'.
- Many Muslims feel a religious obligation to say the phrase aloud every time a prophet's name is mentioned, even if they are reading a text alone.
Examples in context
- هود عليه السلام هو أحد رسل الله.Hud, peace be upon him, was one of God's prophets.This sentence uses عليه السلام to refer to the prophet Hud.Tatoeba #8827726 by LinaTamazight, translation #12343488 by Miktsoanit
- موسى عليه السلام كان رسولا من عند الله.Moses, peace be upon him, was a messenger of God.This sentence uses عليه السلام to refer to the prophet Moses.Tatoeba #8822214 by LinaTamazight, translation #8401904 by Amastan
- عيسى عليه السلام.ʿĪsā ʿalayhi as-salām.Jesus, peace be upon him.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing religious history in a cafe.
- سارة Saraهل قرأت عن قصة يوسف عليه السلام؟Hal qaraʾta ʿan qiṣṣat Yūsuf ʿalayhi as-salām?Have you read the story of Joseph, peace be upon him?
- عمر Omarنعم، إنها قصة جميلة جداً.Naʿam, innahā qiṣṣat jamīla jiddan.Yes, it is a very beautiful story.
- سارة Saraلقد تعلمت منه الكثير من الصبر.Laqad taʿallamtu minhu al-kathīr mina aṣ-ṣabr.I learned a lot of patience from him.
- عمر Omarحقاً، هو مثال رائع لنا.Ḥaqqan, huwa mithāl rāʾiʿ lanā.Indeed, he is a great example for us.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
