in the context of a conditional clause and therefore includes both one’s own home and the home of another, whether or not anyone resides there. When a person enters any of them, ‘greet one another’; that is, let each of you greet the others, for Muslims are like a single person in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion. Thus, the greeting of peace is prescribed whenever one enters any house, without distinction between one house and another. Allah then praised this greeting, saying, ‘with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.’ That is, greet them by saying, ‘Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings,’ or, ‘Peace be upon us and Allah’s righteous servants,’ when you enter homes. ‘A greeting from Allah’ means that He has prescribed it for you and made it your greeting. It is ‘blessed’ because it encompasses freedom from deficiency and brings mercy, blessing, growth, and increase. It is ‘good’ because it is among the good words beloved to Allah, bringing cheer to the person greeted, inspiring love, and fostering affection.” Thus ends his words—may Allah have mercy on him.
As for saying, “Peace be upon us and Allah’s righteous servants,” when entering a home—especially an uninhabited one—a hadith has been reported concerning it, but it has not been authentically established from the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—through a sound chain of transmission. Imam Mālik—may Allah have mercy on him—states in al-Muwatta’ that a report reached him “that it is recommended, upon entering an uninhabited house, to say: ‘Peace be upon us and Allah’s righteous servants.’”1 Some reports concerning this have likewise been transmitted from Qatādah—may Allah have mercy on him—and other early Muslims. However, it is sounder and more complete to confine oneself to the wording established by the sunnah—namely, “Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings”—whether or not anyone resides in the home.
Saying, “Peace be upon you,” upon entering one’s home brings blessing upon the individual and his household, as indicated by the preceding verse. Al-Tirmidhī records from Anas—may Allah be pleased with him—who related that he was addressed by