Virtue and context
Imran ibn Husayn (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) reported that one man greeted the Prophet ﷺ with peace and received a reward of ten. A second added Allah’s mercy and received twenty. A third offered the complete greeting of peace, mercy, and blessings and received thirty.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ described feeding people and greeting both acquaintances and strangers as among the best expressions of Islam. He explained that Allah taught Adam the greeting of peace through the angels, making it the greeting of Adam’s descendants. He also instructed Muslims to spread greetings, visit the sick, follow funerals, respond to the sneezer, assist the weak and oppressed, and fulfil vows.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that faith is not complete without mutual love and directed Muslims to spread salam as a means of creating that love. Abdullah ibn Salam (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) also heard him promise peaceful entry into Paradise to those who spread greetings, feed people, maintain family ties, and pray at night while others sleep.
