السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور
as-salamu 'alaykum ya ahl al-qubur
The English phrase "salam to the dead" is translated into Arabic as السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور (as-salamu 'alaykum ya ahl al-qubur).
السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور is a specific formula used as a formal greeting when entering a cemetery or standing before a grave to wish peace upon those buried there.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Peace be upon you, O people of the graves".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf region, the phrase Allah yerhamak (الله يرحمك) is used to mean "May Allah have mercy on you."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase, the word القبور (al-qubur) is the plural form of qabr (grave).
How do you pronounce it?
as-salamu 'alaykum ya ahl al-qubur
Did you know?
- In certain regions, it is considered improper to enter a cemetery without first uttering a greeting like السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور to 'ask permission' of the residents.
- The greeting is often performed while facing the direction of the Qibla, rather than facing the graves themselves, depending on the specific school of jurisprudence.
- The word السلام (as-salam) in this greeting is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, meaning 'The Source of Peace'.
Examples in context
- قال الرجل: السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور.qāla al-rajulu: al-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ahla al-qubūr.The man said, "Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves."
- نقول عند دخول المقبرة: السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور.naqūlu ʿinda dukhūli al-maqbarati: al-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ahla al-qubūr.We say when entering the cemetery: "Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves."
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are standing at the entrance of a cemetery.
- سارة Saraهل نلقي السلام الآن؟hal nulqī al-salāma al-ān?Do we give the greeting now?
- زياد Ziadنعم، قولي: السلام عليكم يا أهل القبور.naʿam, qūlī: al-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ahla al-qubūr.Yes, say: "Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves."
- سارة Saraالسلام عليكم يا أهل القبور.al-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ahla al-qubūr.Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves.
- زياد Ziadرحمهم الله جميعاً.raḥimahum Allāhu jamīʿan.May God have mercy on them all.
