Horizons of Thoughts

Another Important Meaning of Al-salam

Some authoritative lexicographers like al-Mustafawi in his al-Tahqiq fi Kalimat al-Qur'an al-Karim define al-Salam as 'a state that depicts the apparent dimension of an entity to be intensely coherent with its hidden dimension, such that no kind of difference remains in between.[^55] This meaning, we must understand, does not contradict the aforementioned definition, for to be in the state of equilibrium such that the apparent and the hidden of a thing are intensely coherent to each other, is nothing but to be free from spiritual calamities and imperfections.

Considering this definition, if we take the phrase 'As Salamu 'Alayka as invocative (li al-du'a) [^56], then we are seeking the exalted state of salam for the Imam ('a) in its higher degrees, and thus indirectly declaring our harmony with the spirit of salam too. This is because one does not seek anything good for someone save that his heart truly confirms to it.

This therefore calls for a great responsibility in the za'ir: to struggle and seek the state of salam which in the case of the human being is the equilibrium of the soul (salah al-nafs). If one begins his journey towards this exalted state by self-purification as expounded by the masters of ethics, his/her salam would truly shine with the spirit of sincerity.

It is the fear of such state of salam acquired by the revolutionary za'ir that led tyrants [^57] like the the Abbaside ruler Mutawakkil bi' Allah to hamper and even kill anyone who aspired to visit the shrine of Imam al-Hussein ('a).

Other Variables of al-Salam

Sometimes, the article 'al' in al-Salam conveys either of the following:

1- All kinds of peace 2- The most perfect peace

This is when the definite article 'al' denotes 'genus' or 'species'. Those who are acquainted with lexical discussions may consider the footnote below. [^58]

Therefore when we seek the state of al-Salam for our Imam ('a) we either seek all kinds of peace that behoove his exalted being, or the most perfect peace. Seeking the second form of peace is in reality seeking higher levels of peace for the Imam ('a) who already enjoys peace. In fact the verse below implies that the degrees of peace are endless:

And Allah invites to the abode of Peace…[^59]

Note that the indefinite verb yad'u denotes 'continuity' and permanence. Therefore even with regard to the the Holy Prophet(s) who enjoys the highest level of perfection, the invitation is open. Rather it is open both in this world as well as the Hereafter.

Seeking The Absolute State Of-Salam

Sometimes when the article 'al' denotes genus, it can be taken to mean 'the absolute sense'. This is because no particular kind of peace is mentioned. Therefore it is taken to mean peace without any kind of particulairy of limitation. And this is the highest form of peace, which no one save Almighty Allah enjoys. The Holy Qur'an says:

…He is Allah, other than Whom there is no god, He alone is the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Absolute Peace [^60]

Nevertheless the human beings are taught to seek such peace for the obedient servants of Almighty Allah. Look at the following verses:

Say, All praise belongs to Allah, and Peace [in the absolute sense] be to His servants whom He has chosen [^61]

It should be noted however that the human being whatever level of peace he would attain would never reach the absolute sense, which is only coherent with the Absolute Perfect Being Who is Essentially Existent. Seeking the same for others, would in reality be seeking higher stages of Salam for them. And this journey of Salam, according to masters of the field, would neither end in this world nor in the Hereafter. In short, the path from the finite to the infinite by the Infinite is Infinite.

SEEKING AN ATTRIBUTE OF ALLAH FOR OTHERS

Al-Salam, as we came to learn, earlier is one of the Attributes of Almighty Allah, which some of his noble servants, like the infallible Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a), due to their utter submission enjoyed. The path for others too is left open. Every human being is invited to the abode of peace, and therefore he/she must strive to attain the same. But a true beliver has an all-embracing heart, and thus yearns for the betterment of others too. Perhaps that is why we are encouraged to greet others with al-Salam. The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said:

Al-Salam is a Name from among the Names of Almighty Allah; therefore, spread the same between you…[^62] In fact the word Muslim has originally been derived from Allah's name al-Salam. Look at the following tradition:

The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said:

Allah Named Himself with two names with which he [also] named my Nation: He is al-Salam and He named my nation as muslims, and He is al-Mu'min and He Named my mu'mins. [^63]

Perhaps due to this reason, exponents of ziyarah like al-Shubbar in his al-Anwar al-Lami'ah and 'Allama Majlisi in his Bihar al-Anwar believe that one of the meanings of al-Salamu 'alayka is [^64]:

May Allah always Envelop you with His Name al-Salam

Therefore, Almighty Allah not only requires each of us to be at peace, but teaches us to ask for our Muslim brothers and sisters to be availed of the same. It should be understood however that the levels of peace are infinite. Therefore invoking peace for others while we greet them should never cease.