DictionarysalaamRespectful greeting
noun / verb

salaam

A respectful greeting or gesture of peace in Muslim contexts.

At the mosque, he offers a salaam to each visitor.

Etymology

The Arabic source means peace. The greeting wishes peace to another person, and the word also names the respectful gesture accompanying it.

More examples

  • The worshippers exchange salaams before entering the mosque.
  • He returns his neighbor's salaam with a smile.
  • She salaams respectfully as the imam approaches.

Forms

salaam · salaams · salaamed · salaaming

Similar words

greeting
A broader term without a specifically Muslim cultural context.
salute
A respectful acknowledgment, often military rather than specifically Muslim.