Wa ʿalaykumu s-salam (وَعَلَيْكُم ٱلسَّلَامُ, pronounced [wa.ʕa.laj.ku.mu‿s.sa.laːm] ⓘ) is an Arabic greeting often used by Muslims around the world translating to "and upon you be peace".
[1][2] The greetings are intentional communications to acknowledge someone's presence or to make someone feel welcomed.
Salam is a standard salutation among Muslims, and is regularly exchanged during religious lectures and sermons.
Religious scholars differ as to whether Muslims may initiate the saying of salaam to members of other faiths.
Most believe that when greeted by non-Muslims, Muslims can only respond by stating "wa ʿalaykum" ("and upon you") instead of the longer version, while others suggest replying with a salam.