"salaam alaikum"

[snowbirdling]

Hi friends,

I have Muslim friends who greet each other with "salaam alaikum", meaning "peace be upon you".
Do you think it is appropriate for me, as a Christian, to say it in turn to them?
There is no acknowledging about their God, and I feel that it is appropriate to bless them with peace from the true God
What do you think?

Thanks!

 

[Monica child of God 1]

There is nothing wrong with speaking Arabic. Many Orthodox churches use Arabic and are composed of people who are from or whose lineage is traced back to that region of the world. I was struck when I visited a mostly Arab Antiochian that when the priest said "Peace be with you" it sounded a lot like "asalamu alaikum." I want to take Arabic as an elective when I can fit it into my schedule.

And there is nothing wrong with wishing people well or asking God to bless them

M.

 

[ProScribe]

Its a Muslim saying it means "my brother"

 

[the_Abbot]

Hi friends,

I have Muslim friends who greet each other with "salaam alaikum", meaning "peace be upon you".
Do you think it is appropriate for me, as a Christian, to say it in turn to them?
There is no acknowledging about their God, and I feel that it is appropriate to bless them with peace from the true God
What do you think?

Thanks!

To say it back to them you reply with Wa alaikum salaam (And upon you be peace).

 

[ArmyMatt]

yeah, it seems okay to me

 

[Joshua G.]

yes not only appropriate but, I imagine, very Christian.

 

[Coptic.Ray]

As an Arabic speaking Orthodox I have been always in this situation.

Usually when a muslim greats a group of people, me among them with "alsalamu alikom" I reply with their appropriate response "we alikom elsalam" the wording itself is totally fine as some people translated.

When a Muslim friend greats me in person saying "alsalmu alikum". Well, it depends. If I felt this person in bullying me or trying to intimidate me I reply with "salam" or "hi, how are you". The point is that when a muslim doesn't reply using the appropriate response his friends bully him. I try to make it clear, that they can't.

If I'm walking into a group of friends, again it depends. If they are dear to me I can use "alsalamu alikom". if I need to assert my Christianity I don't use it.

I guess you are not facing those political situation, so I would encourage you to use it occasionally. That would make your friends more appreciative of you

 

[Joshua G.]

Thanks Ray! Very interesting insight. Where are you from? Where do you currently reside? Welcome to TAW!

 

[snowbirdling]

Yes, thank you Ray, and thanks everyone. I spoke with my priest about it as well, and he said it was always appropriate to bless someone else with peace.

 

[OrthodoxServant10]

I think its courtesy to reply back. My parents have met Muslims/Arabic-Descent people who greet them with this saying and my parents have always replied back. I , however, don't judge other people based on the race,religion, orientations, etc. so I would certainly reply back