Reflections on the Name: As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace)
Table of Contents
The Significance of the Name As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace)
As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) signifies the One who is entirely free from every imperfection. It is precisely because He is free of any defect that one who is with Him experiences profound tranquility and inner peace. This divine name is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran and serves as a fundamental pillar of Islamic belief, reminding the believer that all security originates from the Al-Khaaliq (The Creator).
Evidence from the Quran
1. The Sovereign and Peaceful King
"He is Allah (The Almighty) than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the Al-Malik (The Eternal Lord), the Al-Quddus (The Most Sacred), the As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace), the Al-Mu'min (The Affirmer of Truth), the Al-Muhaymin (Preserver of Safety), the Al-Aziz (The Mighty One), the Al-Jabbar (The Omnipotent One), the Al-Mutakabbir (The Dominant One). Glory be to Allah (The Almighty)! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him." [Al-Hashr 59:23]
(هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ) [الحشر 59:23]
2. Peace Upon the Messengers
"And peace upon the messengers." [As-Saffat 37:181]
(وَسَلَامٌ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلِينَ) [الصافات 37:181]
Prophetic Correction and the Hadith of Peace
In the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ affirmed this name when he heard the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) say, "salam upon Allah (The Almighty)." He corrected them saying: "Allah (The Almighty) Himself is As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace), and if anyone of you prays then he should say, 'All the compliments, prayers and good things are due to Allah (The Almighty); peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah (The Almighty)'s mercy and blessings [be on you]. Peace be on us an on the pious subjects of Allah (The Almighty).'"
It was reported that the Prophet ﷺ recited this name in his supplication after prayer: "I seek the forgiveness of Allah (The Almighty) (three times). O Allah (The Almighty), You are As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Dhul-Jalali wal-Ikram (Lord of Majesty and Honor)."
(أَسْتَغْفِرُ الله (ثَلاثاً) اللّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلام تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الجَلالِ وَالإِكْرَام)
As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) and the Prohibition of Violence in Islam
The attribute of As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) underscores Islam's fundamental stance against violence. Since Allah (The Almighty) is the source of all peace and is free from imperfections, including hostility and oppression, He commands His followers to reflect this peace in their interactions. Islam teaches that true peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and the proactive promotion of harmony among people.
"But seek, through that which Allah (The Almighty) has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah (The Almighty) has done good to you. And do not seek corruption in the earth. Indeed, Allah (The Almighty) does not like corrupters." [Al-Qasas 28:77]
(وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ) [القصص 28:77]
This directive illustrates that spreading corruption and chaos contradicts the nature of Allah (The Almighty) as As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace). True Muslims, therefore, are those who actively seek to establish peace and justice, embodying the divine attribute of As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) in their daily lives.
Promoting Peace Through Justice and Mercy
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further emphasize the importance of peace in Islam. He taught that mercy and justice are essential to achieving true peace.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you." [Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1924]
(ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ) [سنن الترمذي 1924]
This hadith highlights that Muslims are expected to be agents of mercy on Earth, which directly contributes to societal peace. By advocating for mercy and justice, Muslims reflect As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) in their actions, contradicting any misinterpretations that wrongly associate Islam with violence.
Islam’s Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence
In alignment with As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace), Islam promotes peaceful coexistence and dialogue, not only among Muslims but also between different religious and ethnic groups.
"There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah (The Almighty) has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah (The Almighty) is Hearing and Knowing." [Al-Baqara 2:256]
(لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ) [البقرة 2:256]
Frequently Asked Questions About As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace)
Q: What is the meaning of the Name As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace)?
A: As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) translates to The Embodiment of Peace. It refers to the One who is free from every imperfection, defect, or flaw. It is the source from which all tranquility and safety originate.
Q: Why did the Prophet ﷺ correct the companions about saying "salam upon Allah"?
A: The Prophet ﷺ explained that Allah (The Almighty) Himself is Peace (As-Salam). Therefore, it is incorrect to offer peace to Him; rather, we seek peace from Him and acknowledge Him as the source of all peace.
Q: How many times is As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) mentioned in the Quran?
A: The divine name As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace) is mentioned exactly 1 time in the Holy Quran.
Q: How does Islam view violence in relation to As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace)?
A: Spreading corruption, chaos, and violence contradicts the nature of As-Salam (The Embodiment of Peace). Islam promotes peace through justice and mercy, advocating for freedom of belief and peaceful coexistence among all people.