Expert: Sirine Malas - 2/14/2011

Question
I noticed that when leading Arabic politicians and/or religious figures hold a press conference or address a group of people, they preface their comments with the salutation: " In the name of God, the most merciful, the most beneficent..etc, etc".  I've heard quite a few variations. What is the proper salutation?

Answer
Dear Michael,

I m awafully sorry for the delay I had some connection problems.

The proper Arabic salutations are many and depend on the time of day just like any other language. So you ve got Good Morning , Good Evening, Good Night, and Hello.

Hello مرحبا
Good Morning is Sabah 'Ulkhair  صباح الخير
Good Evening is Massa 'Ulkhair  مساء الخير
Good Night is Tusbehouna Ala Khair تصبحون على خير

Now out of the above you may derive farious salutations as Arabic is a poetic and rich language but it would mean the same thing. Also Arabs are known to be somewhat emotional and faithful...so they like to start their day or approach others with what they consider kind and blessed ....

For example you could say Asaada 'Llahu Sabahakom instead of Sabah 'Ulkhair meaning may your morning be joyous   أسعد الله صباحكم
And so on and so forth ...

As for " In the name of God , the most merciful the most gracious " بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم  ... This is not a salutation.This is rather an Islamic ouverture that people use ... like saying "In God we trust " as a closure...
Some will also derive different variations out of it like Bism 'Illah wa 'lwatan.. بسم الله و الوطن which means in the name of God and Country...
Again as I said above Arabs like to decorate their words with beauty and blessings .. so this is the best way to do it..

The standard Islamic salutaiton is Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatu 'Llah ...  السلام عليكم و رحمة الله
But most Arabs use it as it has become an integrated part of the Arab culture ... in addition the meanings it hold are very favorable as it means ... May peace and God's mercy be upon ... which is a very beautiful way to approach someone ...by wishing them peace and mercy...

Also you can extend it and say Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatu'Llahi wa Barakatuh. السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته   
meaning "May peace and God's mercy and blessings be upon ...

I hope that was a good explanation and worth the time you waited..

All the Best,
Sirine