assalamu alaikum

Also as·sa·lam a·lai·kum

[ahs-uh-lah-moo uh-lahy-koom]

interjection

Arabic.

1. peace be upon you: a traditional greeting especially between Muslims, the reply being wa’alaikum assalam .

Word History and Origins

Origin of assalamu alaikum¹

First recorded in 1955–60, still not naturalized in English; from Arabic as-salāmu, “the peace” ( al- “the” + salām “peace”) + ʿalaykum “upon you”; shalom aleichem ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Assalamu alaikum! Can you girls give me a hand?”

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“Assalamu alaikum, we’re the blue team,” Saint Sarah says.

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“Assalamu alaikum warahmathullahi wabarakathu,” Muhammad says, moving his bulky body into a please-the-in-laws-to-be pose, very similar to how a praying mantis may appear approaching the most sacred of altars.

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“Assalamu alaikum, Sarah, it’s Janna. You wanted to talk to me? Give me a call.”

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“Assalamu alaikum, Janna! Respond to me as I tell you because if I know your brother, he’s hovering around there somewhere. Say walaikum musalam.’

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