Islamic History
The Meaning of Selam and Its Relation to the Names of Allah
Selam; selamet like a masdar, meaning to be free from faults and calamities. The phrase “Selâmün aleyküm” exchanged among Muslims means to pray for safety. Es-Selam: It is one of the names of Allah, the Exalted, who is completely free from all defects, faults, annihilation, and destruction. Our Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Selam is one of the names of Allah, the Exalted, which He has placed on earth. Therefore, spread selam among yourselves!” [118] Es-Selam is mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the names of Allah, the Exalted,[119] and it is also mentioned as a name for Paradise.[120]