عليهم السلام
alayhim as-salam
The English phrase "peace be upon them" is translated into Arabic as عليهم السلام (alayhim as-salam).
This phrase is used as a formulaic honorific immediately following the mention of a prophet or a highly revered figure in Islamic contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of عليهم (alayhim), meaning "upon them" and السلام (as-salam), meaning "the peace".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on whom you are referring to.
How do you pronounce it?
alayhim as-salam
Did you know?
- In written Arabic, the phrase عليهم السلام is often replaced by a tiny, ornate calligraphic symbol called a 'ligature' to save space and show reverence.
- The phrase عليهم السلام is used for prophets regardless of which religion they belong to, including those mentioned in the Torah and Bible.
- The word السلام (as-salam) in this phrase is also one of the 99 Names of God in Islam, meaning 'The Source of Peace'.
Examples in context
- الأنبياء عليهم السلام.al-anbiya'u 'alayhim al-salam.The prophets, peace be upon them.
- نحن نحب الأنبياء عليهم السلام.nahnu nuhibbu al-anbiya'a 'alayhim al-salam.We love the prophets, peace be upon them.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are discussing a religious history lesson.
- أحمد Ahmedهل قرأتِ عن الأنبياء عليهم السلام؟hal qara'ti 'an al-anbiya'i 'alayhim al-salam?Did you read about the prophets, peace be upon them?
- مريم Maryamنعم، لقد قرأتُ عنهم يا أحمد.na'am, laqad qara'tu 'anhum ya Ahmad.Yes, I read about them, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedقصصهم جميلة جداً.qisasuhum jamilatun jiddan.Their stories are very beautiful.
- مريم Maryamحقاً، إنها ملهمة.haqqan, innaha mulhima.Indeed, they are inspiring.
