It has become a common practice to hear, or to see, a Muslim greeting a Christian with “Sam aleykum” (سم عليكم). A Christian, who may not know any better, quickly responds, “Wa'alaykum Salaam,” believing wholeheartedly that they have received a greeting identical to the one Muslims exchange amongst themselves, namely, “Assalaam aleykum” (السلام عليكم), which means “May the peace of Allah be upon you.”
My fellow Christian, understand that a Muslim, knowing you are a Christian, will never greet you with “Assalaam Aleykum”—that is, wishing you the peace of the god they worship. Instead, the Muslim will greet a Christian by saying:
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Sam Aleykum (سم عليكم), meaning in Swahili, “Death be upon you.” When addressing several Christians, this is the form used.
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If addressing a single Christian, they will say, Sam Alaika (سم عليك), meaning “Death be upon you.”
Unaware, the Christian happily responds, thinking a good greeting has been given, when in fact, a curse has been pronounced (“You deserve death...”).
Therefore, from today, when you are greeted by a Muslim with “Sam aleykum,” respond by saying:
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Wa ‘alaykum Faqatu (عليكم فقة), meaning, “May that death return to you.”
Even if the greeting given is the standard “Assalaam aleykum” (meaning “peace of Allah be upon you”), do not respond in kind, because the peace Muslims offer (that of the world) is different from the peace Jesus gave to His disciples, when He said:
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Salaamu'n Lakum (سلام لكم), meaning “Peace be upon you.”
There is a difference between the “salaam” of Jesus and that of Muslims. Jesus said:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)
Therefore, be very cautious with their greetings.
Theological and Academic Expansion
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
1. Historical Background and Linguistic Analysis
The act of greeting in Semitic cultures, both ancient and modern, holds significant spiritual and social weight. The phrase “Assalaam aleykum” (peace be upon you) is derived from the Arabic root slm, meaning “peace.” Historically, both Jews and Christians from the Middle Eastern region have used similar greetings—shalom aleichem in Hebrew, and salaam alaykum in Arabic.
However, the claim that Muslims intentionally use “Sam aleykum” or “Sam alaika” (interpreted as “death be upon you”) when greeting non-Muslims is controversial and debated among scholars. Linguistically, “Sam” (سم) can mean “poison” or “death” in Arabic, but in everyday Muslim practice, the standard greeting, even towards non-Muslims, remains “Assalaam aleykum.” Academic sources, including Lane’s Arabic-English Lexicon, affirm this.
The Hadith literature does mention incidents in which enemies of the Prophet Muhammad would substitute “Sam” for “Salaam” as a form of mockery or curse (see Sahih Bukhari, Book 56, Hadith 759). In response, Muhammad advised his followers simply to respond, “Wa ‘alaykum” (“And upon you”). However, the teaching and mainstream practice among Muslims worldwide is to use “Assalaam aleykum” as a greeting of peace, and there is no universal doctrine promoting the curse form towards Christians.
2. Theological Comparison: The Peace of Christ vs. Worldly Peace
Jesus’ teaching on peace is distinctively spiritual. In John 14:27, Jesus declares:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
The peace of Christ (eirene in Greek, shalom in Hebrew) is not simply the absence of conflict or a polite social exchange. It is an inner, abiding peace with God, rooted in reconciliation through Christ’s sacrificial work. It is unconditional, transcendent, and not dependent on outward circumstances.
The greeting “Assalaam aleykum” is, in Islamic theology, a supplication for safety, wellness, and harmony, but its theological center is different from that of Christianity. For Muslims, peace is a social, communal value but is tied to submission (Islam) to Allah’s will. For Christians, peace is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, a fruit of salvation (see Romans 5:1, Galatians 5:22).
3. Missiological and Social Implications
A. Discernment in Greetings
Christians are called to discernment (1 John 4:1), especially regarding spiritual matters. While cultural sensitivity and courtesy are commendable, Christians must understand the origins and intentions of spiritual practices. However, accusations or suspicion without evidence can breed unnecessary hostility.
B. Responding to Greetings Biblically
Jesus taught His followers to bless even those who curse them (Luke 6:28). The early Christians were taught, “If someone wishes you peace, let your peace return to them” (Matthew 10:12-13). Thus, the Christian response to greetings—even from those of other faiths—should reflect the spirit of Christ: grace, truth, and love.
4. Academic Perspective: Interfaith Relations
Academically, it is important to approach such claims with critical investigation. While polemical writings have historically exaggerated or misinterpreted Muslim practices, primary sources do not support the view that Muslims systematically curse Christians in greetings. Interfaith dialogue and scholarship emphasize mutual respect and the promotion of peace (see Esposito, “Islam: The Straight Path,” Oxford, 2021).
5. Conclusion: The Christian Distinctive
Christians are ambassadors of Christ’s peace (2 Corinthians 5:20). The peace offered by Jesus is not simply a formulaic phrase but a living reality, distinguishing Christian life from religious formalism. While Christians should exercise discernment, they must also exemplify the love and peace of Christ, even in their responses to greetings from people of other faiths.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Footnotes:
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Lane, E.W. An Arabic-English Lexicon. London: Williams & Norgate, 1863.
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Sahih Bukhari, Book 56, Hadith 759.
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Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press, 2021.
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The Holy Bible, New International Version.
Prepared by Dr. Maxwell Shimba,
Shimba Theological Institute
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