assalam

Assalam is a term rooted in the Arabic language that conveys the concept of peace. It derives from the root S-L-M, which relates to peace, safety, and security in classical Arabic. In Islamic theology, as-Salam (often transliterated as Al-Salam or As-Salam) is one of the 99 names of God, meaning The Source of Peace or The Giver of Peace.

In everyday usage, salaam functions as a greeting in many Muslim-majority communities. The common greeting is “assalamu alaikum” (often shortened in transliteration to “salaam” or “salam aleikum”), which translates to “peace be upon you.” The word appears in various spellings—Salaam, Salam, Salām—reflecting different languages, dialects, and transliteration conventions. Beyond greetings, salaam also appears as a general term for peace in contemporary speech and literature across Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Malay, and related languages.

Cultural and social significance centers on the wish for safety, well-being, and harmony. The concept of peace expressed by salam informs etiquette, hospitality, and interpersonal interactions within many Muslim communities. The term also appears in personal names and sometimes in toponyms, reflecting its positive connotations of peace and security. Overall, assalam embodies a linguistic and cultural expression of peace that crosses religious and regional boundaries within the broader Muslim world.