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Fatwa CenterThe shortest form of Salaam
Question
As Salamu Alycom wa rahmutallah wa barakato. I have a quick question convcerning give Salam to other muslims. What is the minimum (or shortest) salam a muslim can give to another muslim? I know about the hadith of the people that came to a gathering that Rasoolallah (A) had, and as they gave salam, Rasoolallah (A) said 10, 20, and 30 depending on the Salam that they gave. That particular hadith shows "As Salamu Alycom" is the minimum, but what if a Muslim greeted to another Muslim, just "Salam" (whether it be in text or verbal). Is it okay for a Muslim to greet another Muslim with just "SALAM"? Does this person get any rewarded although he shortened the greeting? Finally, does the person receiving the "Salam" need to return the greeting in a proper manner? or can he just say "wa alycom". Jazzak allaho kharan, may allah (swt) reward you guys for all your efforts, and grant you Jannah.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
The Sunnah for a Muslim when greeting with Salaam is to say ‘‘As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum…’’, this is the greeting of Muslims and one should abide by this form of greeting in the same manner as it is reported in the Sunnah.
As regards saying ‘Salaam’ only, then this is not among the guidance of the Prophet and his companions 
but if the speaker intends by it to greet and supplicate at the same time for the addressee, as it is intended by the greeting of Salaam in principle, then this is permissible. Indeed, Allaah reported to us the story of His Angels [Quran 11:69] when they came to Ebraaheem (Abraham) 
in the form of guests and said to him, “Salaam” (Peace), and he replied to them in the same manner “Salaam” (Peace).
Therefore, if a person is greeted by a Muslim with this term, he is obliged to reply the greeting with the same term ‘Salaam’ or with a better greeting.
As regards responding with the term ‘wa alaykum’, then this is not answering the greeting with its equal, rather, a person should avoid responding with such a term because it is the term by which we respond to the non-Muslims when they greet us with Salaam.
For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 83602.
Allaah Knows best.
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