وعليكم السلام
wa alaykum assalam
The English phrase "walaikum assalam" is translated into Arabic as وعليكم السلام (wa alaykum assalam).
This phrase is the standard required response to the greeting assalamu alaykum.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase وعليكم السلام is composed of wa (and), alaykum (upon you [plural]) and assalam (the peace).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Morocco, you might hear Walekum Assalam.
How does it change in a sentence?
The part alaykum uses the masculine plural suffix. This is the standard way to address a group of people, or to address a single person politely or formally in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
wa alaykum assalam
Did you know?
- The word salam in walaikum assalam shares a root with the word for 'integer' or 'whole' in Arabic. This suggests that the 'peace' being wished upon the other person is not just the absence of war, but a state of completeness and wholeness.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the response walaikum assalam is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture, such as placing the right hand over the heart, to signal sincerity.
- While walaikum assalam is the standard response, one can add wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh to the end to wish for the mercy and blessings of God. Adding these extra phrases is considered more virtuous and rewarding in Islamic tradition.
Examples in context
- وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله.wa 'alaykum as-salāmu wa rahmatullāh.And upon you be peace and the mercy of God.
- وعليكم السلام، كيف حالك؟wa 'alaykum as-salām, kayfa hāluka?And upon you be peace, how are you?
- وعليكم السلام، أهلاً بك.wa 'alaykum as-salām, ahlan bika.And upon you be peace, welcome.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam meet at a local cafe.
- أحمد Ahmedالسلام عليكم يا مريم.as-salāmu 'alaykum yā Maryam.Peace be upon you, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamوعليكم السلام يا أحمد.wa 'alaykum as-salām yā Ahmad.And upon you be peace, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedكيف حالكِ اليوم؟kayfa hāluki al-yawm?How are you today?
- مريم Maryamأنا بخير، شكراً لك.ana bikhayr, shukran laka.I am fine, thank you.
