should he say, “al-salāmu ʿalayka” (peace be upon you, singular) or “al-salāmu ʿalaykum” (peace be upon you, plural)? The sound position is that he should say “al-salāmu ʿalayka.” This is what is authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ, for in the ḥadīth of the man who prayed badly he said, “al-salāmu ʿalayka.” The proof adduced by the author from the ḥadīth of ʿImrān does not contradict this, because that man entered while the Prophet ﷺ was accompanied by a group and therefore greeted all of them. Hence, when those present are several people, say “al-salāmu ʿalaykum,” but when it is a single person, say “al-salāmu ʿalayka.” If you add “wa raḥmatullāh” (and the mercy of Allah), that is better, and if you further add “wa barakātuh” (and His blessings), that is even better, for each additional word earns ten good deeds. Nonetheless, limiting the greeting to “al-salāmu ʿalayka” is sufficient.

The one who responds should say, “wa ʿalaykum al-salām” (and upon you be peace). If the greeter said no more than “al-salāmu ʿalayka,” that reply is enough; but if the greeter said, “al-salāmu ʿalayka wa raḥmatullāh,” the respondent must match it and say, “wa ʿalayka al-salāmu wa raḥmatullāh,” in keeping with Allah’s words: “When you are greeted with a greeting, respond with one better than it, or return it in like manner” (Q. 4:86)—that is, at least equal it.

The author also states that it is recommended to add the conjunction and say “wa ʿalaykum,” and this is commendable, for the preceding wa (and) makes it clear that the reply is being coordinated with the original greeting. Should one omit the wa, there is no harm, because Abraham (peace be upon him) did not use the conjunction when he returned the angels’ salutation—“They said, ‘Peace,’ he said, ‘Peace’” (Q. 51:25)—and the wa is missing there. Thus, including the wa is good, and leaving it out is likewise permissible.