19 Etiquette's of Salaam(greetings)
(7) Better repayment for a favour will be when the repayment is somewhat more than the act of favour rendered. Thus, the reply should be more than the Salaam (greeting). If ASSALAMU ALAIKUM was said, the better reply will be WA ALAIKUMUS SALAAM WARAHMATULLAAH. If WA BARAKAA TUHU is also added it will be an added merit.
(8) It is waajib (obligatory) to reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter. This reply may be in writing or verbally.
(9) The Fuqaha have said that in reply to the Salaam which is written in a letter, one may say ALAIKUMUS SALAAM or even ASSALAMU ALAIKUM.
(10) In a letter in which a dua is written, the Salaam should be written first since this is the Sunnat method.
(11) Instead of writing or saying the Salaam, to say any other term or to adopt the greeting of any other community is Bid’ah (innovation). Such an alien greeting is in fact alteration of the Shari’ah.
(12) A person who is engrossed in a conversation or in some work should not be greeted. The new-comer should not intrude with his hand-shaking. Such an act is uncultured and causes distress to others.
(13) It is Makrooh to greet a person involved in Deeni or natural activity. Thus, to make Salaam to a person eating is Makrooh while it is not Makrooh to engage in conversation while eating.
(14) It is not permissible to bow and make Salaam
(15) Before entering a house or any place of privacy it is necessary to seek permission. Do not enter without permission.
(16) Stand outside and proclaim the Salaam, then ask permission in any language. Use such terms which will convey the full meaning. However, as far as the Salaam itself is concerned only the terms of the Shari’ah should be used.
(17) When answering the call of nature neither reply to anyone’s Salaam nor offer Salaam.
(18) On promising to convey a person’s Salaam, it becomes waajib to do so, otherwise not.
(19) When making Salaam to elders adopt a low voice. Do not express yourself in such terms which convey arrogance or disrespect.