Reflections on the Name of Allah: As-Salam
The One who is free from every imperfection. It is because He is free of any defect that one who is with Him experiences tranquility.
(هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ ﴾ الحشر 59: 23
(23. He is Allah than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.) Al-Hashr 59: 23
An example of the word salam is seen in Surah as-Saffat verse 181:
(وَسَلَٰمٌ عَلَى ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ)
“And peace upon the messengers.” As-Saffat 37:181
In the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad Pbuh affirmed this name when he heard the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) say, “salam upon Allah.” He corrected them saying, “Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), and if anyone of you prays then he should say, ‘All the compliments, prayers and good things are due to Allah; peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings [be on you]. Peace be on us an on the pious subjects of Allah.'”
It was reported that the ProphetPbuhrecited this name in his supplication after prayer.
أَسْـتَغْفِرُ الله (ثَلاثاً) اللّهُـمَّ أَنْـتَ السَّلامُ وَمِـنْكَ السَّلام تَبارَكْتَ يا ذا الجَـلالِ وَالإِكْـرام
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah (three times). O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of majesty and honor.”
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
As-Salam 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 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.
The Qur’an explicitly discourages violence and promotes peace, as reflected in the verse:
(وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ)
(And do not seek corruption in the earth. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.) – Al-Qasas 28:77
This directive illustrates that spreading corruption and chaos contradicts the nature of Allah as As-Salam. True Muslims, therefore, are those who actively seek to establish peace and justice, embodying the divine attribute of As-Salam in their lives.
Promoting Peace Through Justice and Mercy
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasize the importance of peace in Islam. He taught that mercy and justice are essential to achieving true peace. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
(ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ)
(“Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.”) – Sunan At-Tirmidhi 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 in their actions, contradicting any misinterpretations that wrongly associate Islam with violence.
Islam’s Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence
In alignment with As-Salam, Islam promotes peaceful coexistence and dialogue, not only among Muslims but also between different religious and ethnic groups. The Qur’an states:
(لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ)
(There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error.) – Al-Baqara 2:256
This verse is a cornerstone in Islamic doctrine, advocating for freedom of belief and opposing any form of compulsion or violence in spreading the faith. It reinforces that Islam is a religion of peace, guided by the principles of tolerance and respect for all human beings.
Through these teachings and directives, Islam establishes a framework where peace, justice, and mercy are fundamental. This reflects the true spirit of As-Salam, encouraging Muslims worldwide to be peaceful, just, and compassionate ambassadors of their faith.