assalamu alaikum

American  

[ahs-uh-lah-moo uh-lahy-koom] / ɑs əˈlɑ mu əˈlaɪ kum /

Also assalam alaikum

interjection

Arabic.

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

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Etymology

Origin of assalamu alaikum

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

When these Muslims saw the white stranger enter the mosque, they would have had the Islamic greeting on their tongues: “Assalamu alaikum.”

From New York Times

“Assalamu alaikum,” he called, raising his hand.

From New York Times

“I hope that one day, inshallah, we will greet each other at the Mosque, saying Assalamu Alaikum, knowing that you are my protector and that I am yours,” she wrote.

From The Guardian

“Assalamu Alaikum,” he said, offering the customary Arabic greeting.

From New York Times

Right after a 4-point play in the playoffs against the Pacers, he greeted Jim Gray, the broadcaster, with “assalamu alaikum.”

From New York Times