What Does Assalam alaykum Mean?
DEFINITION
Assalam alaykum is an Islamic greeting which means: may peace be upon you (when arriving or leaving). Below are two additional ways to send greetings to other Muslims:
Assalam alaykum wa rahmatu Allah: may the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.
Assalam alaykom wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatu: may the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.
How would a Muslim respond to this greeting? The answer is with the following words:
Walaykum assalam: this is the response to give when someone sends salam upon you. When a courteous greeting is offered, it is preferable to return the greeting with equal courtesy or to be more even more courteous, by adding to it such as walaykum assalam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatu (and the peace, mercy and blessings be upon you).