السلام علیکم
assalāmu ʿalaikum
The English phrase "peace be upon you" is translated into Urdu as السلام علیکم (assalāmu ʿalaikum).
السلام علیکم is a greeting used to wish peace upon the person being addressed. This greeting is used by Muslims in Urdu-speaking contexts as a formal and religious way to say hello.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-salām (the peace) and ʿalaykum (upon you/plural).
How do you pronounce it?
assalāmu ʿalaikum
When do people say it?
The standard response to السلام علیکم is وعلیکم السلام, which means "and upon you be peace".
Did you know?
- While السلام علیکم is used for one person, the word علیکم is grammatically plural. This is a traditional mark of respect that addresses the person and the angels accompanying them.
- Urdu speakers often accompany السلام علیکم with a slight nod of the head or by placing their right hand over their heart to show sincerity.
- While السلام علیکم is Arabic in origin, it is so integrated into Urdu that it is used by many non-Muslims in South Asia as a culturally appropriate way to greet Muslims.
Examples in context
- السلام علیکم، آپ کیسے ہیں؟Assalamu alaikum, aap kaise hain?Peace be upon you, how are you?
- السلام علیکم، کیا میں اندر آ سکتا ہوں؟Assalamu alaikum, kya mein andar aa sakta hoon?Peace be upon you, may I come in?
- السلام علیکم، صبح بخیر۔Assalamu alaikum, subah bakhair.Peace be upon you, good morning.
Example conversation
Ahmed enters Aisha's office to deliver some documents.
- عائشہ Ayeshaالسلام علیکم، احمد۔Assalamu alaikum, Ahmed.Peace be upon you, Ahmed.
- احمد Ahmedوعلیکم السلام، عائشہ۔Walaikum assalam, Aisha.And peace be upon you, Aisha.
- احمد Ahmedمیں آپ کے لیے یہ کاغذات لایا ہوں۔Mein aap ke liye yeh kaghazat laya hoon.I have brought these documents for you.
- عائشہ Ayeshaشکریہ، احمد۔Shukriya, Ahmed.Thank you, Ahmed.
