salam

Salam, sometimes transliterated as salaam or selam, is a word with several related uses rooted in the Arabic root S-L-M, which conveys notions of peace, safety, and welfare. In its primary sense, salaam means peace and is the basis for a common greeting in many Muslim-majority cultures. The phrase as-salaam alaykum, often shortened informally to salam, literally means “peace be upon you” and is answered with wa alaykum as-salaam. The form and pronunciation vary by language, with Selam common in Turkish, and salaam or salam used in Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and Indonesian contexts.

Beyond greetings, salam is also used as a personal name. It is found as a given name and sometimes as a surname in various Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities. The name can carry the aspirational meaning of peace or welfare.

In modern usage, salam may appear in non-religious contexts as a general expression of goodwill or in titles and phrases that evoke peace, harmony, and nonviolence. It also appears in literature, media, and organizational names to symbolize reconciliation or welfare initiatives.

Overview of variations and related terms includes salaam, salaam, and selam, reflecting transliteration differences across languages. While the root meaning remains linked to peace and safety, the word’s usage spans efficient everyday greetings, personal naming, and symbolic or ceremonial language in diverse linguistic communities.