وعليكم السلام
wa ʿalaykumu s-salām
Wa alaikum salam in Arabic is وعليكم السلام (wa ʿalaykumu s-salām), the reply that means and upon you be peace.
وعليكم السلام is used specifically as a response to the greeting As-salamu alaykum.
What does it mean word for word?
و means and, عليكم means upon you in the plural and السلام means the peace.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address one person you can use the singular وعليك السلام instead of the plural form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not open a conversation with وعليكم السلام. It only answers the greeting, which starts the exchange.
Did you know?
- The word السلام is not just a common noun for 'peace' but is actually one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, meaning 'The Source of Peace'.
- The word السلام shares a root with سليم, which means 'healthy' or 'uninjured'. This links the act of greeting someone with a wish for their physical and spiritual well-being.
- In some regions, a person might respond to As-salamu alaykum with a simple nod or a smile, but failing to say وعليكم السلام verbally can be perceived as a slight or a sign of anger.
Examples in context
- وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله.wa alaykum as-salām wa rahmatullāh.And upon you be peace and the mercy of God.
- وعليكم السلام، كيف حالك؟wa alaykum as-salām, kayfa hāluk?And upon you be peace, how are you?
- وعليكم السلام، أهلاً بك.wa alaykum as-salām, ahlan bik.And upon you be peace, welcome.
Example conversation
Yousef greets Sarah at the entrance of her office.
- يوسف Youssefالسلام عليكم يا سارة.as-salāmu alaykum yā Sārah.Peace be upon you, Sarah.
- سارة Saraوعليكم السلام يا يوسف.wa alaykum as-salām yā Yūsuf.And upon you be peace, Yousef.
- يوسف Youssefكيف حالك اليوم؟kayfa hāluki al-yawm?How are you today?
- سارة Saraأنا بخير، شكراً لك.anā bikhayr, shukran lak.I am fine, thank you.
