What is the Meaning of Assalamualaikum?

Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh shortened to just As-Salaamu'Alaikum is an expression we've reckoned upon several times. 

But, do we actually understand the meaning of the word Assalamualaikum or its implication in general conversations? Do we understand the significance of the entire sentence?

What does Assalamualaikum mean?

"Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh"

(Image Courtesy: Blogger)

As-Salaamu'Alaikum:

The first word, as-Salam, means the Name of Allah. The second word, Alaikum, means Upon You. So this way, the word turns out to be an expression of greeting someone. It entirely means, may the one who is complete, free from imperfections make you free from deficiencies and defects. May as-Salam, the one who is pure, protect you from the evil.

When you make use of the expression, you are asking Allah to protect the one being greeted. However, Assalamualaikum is just a way of greeting someone. But essentially it's also a prayer that you make in the name of Allah for the one you are greeting. Assalamualaikum meaning turns out to "May Peace be Upon You."

Wa Rahmatullah: 

Allah's mercy is most dominant and recurring. Upon adding Wa Rahmatullah, we ask Allah to treat the one greeted with kindness, compassion and be forgiving towards the person. So, Wa Rahmatullah means, "May Peace and Mercy be Upon You."

(Image Courtesy: TeePublic)

Wa Barakatuh: 

When you add this term to the greeting, it completes in the real sense. You ask Allah to gather all the goodness present in the world and provide it to the one being greeted. Upon using this particular term, you are asking Allah to bless the greeted person with all the goodness in the position he/ she is now. So, Wa Barakatuh means, "May Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah be Upon You."

(Image Courtesy: YouTube)

When you say, Assalamualaikum, you are asking Allah to protect the other person from evils. Wa Rahmatullah asks Allah to be gentle and kind to the person. And when you add Wa Barakatuh, you ask Allah to bless the current situation of the other person. And when someone says Assalamualaikum, reply with Wa-Alaikum-Salaam meaning “And unto you, peace!"

(Featured Image Courtesy: Arrahmahislam)