Islamic words for kids · With family and friends

What does Assalamu alaikum mean?

“Assalamu alaikum” means “peace be upon you” — the Muslim greeting. When someone says it to us, we reply “Wa alaikumus-salam”, “and peace be upon you too”.

Ages 2–8AudioWord by wordSong

Teacher review under way.

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ

Assalamu alaikum

“Peace be upon you”

What we say back

وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ

Wa alaikumus-salam

“And peace be upon you too.”

Word by word

What each part of Assalamu alaikum means

السَّلَامُas-salamuthe peace
عَلَيْكُمْ'alaikumbe upon you

Read the boxes from right to left, just like the Arabic.

For little ones

What it means

“Peace be with you!”

Did you know? The Qur'an asks us to answer a greeting with one that is better or at least the same (4:86) — like adding “wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh”.

The moments

When we say it

Meeting family and friends
Coming home
Arriving at the masjid or Qur'an class
Answering the phone

Du'as that use it: Du'a for entering home

Teach it

How to teach Assalamu alaikum in 3 steps

Step 1: Greet your child with salaam every morning and when you pick them up.
Step 2: Practise both parts with a puppet or toy: one says it, the other answers.
Step 3: Let your child say salaam first when guests arrive — then praise their courage.

Sing itSalaam Song — Say Assalamu Alaikum!A NoorHop sing-along that practises these words — play it at the real moment.Watch the song →PlayWhat do we say?Hear a little story and choose what we say — is it Assalamu alaikum? A playful check after practising.Play free →More wordsAll Islamic wordsBismillah, InshaAllah, MashaAllah and more — with audio.See them all →

Questions parents ask

What is the longer greeting?

“Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” — peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy and blessings. The reply is “Wa alaikumus-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh”.

My child is shy. How can I help?

Practise at home with toys first, let them wave while you say it, and celebrate any try. Confidence grows with practice.

Sources: Qur'an 4:86 · Sahih Muslim 54

Qur'an references are checked on quran.com and hadith on sunnah.com; a teacher review is under way. Families and madhhabs differ on some details — ask your teacher.

Printable

Islamic Classroom Rules Poster for Kids

A class rules poster written as eight friendly promises, from “We listen” and “We say salaam” to “We keep it clean”, with space for the class and teacher name.

Open →

Good manners