Tahir on the Islamic Greeting

I have been instructed by Tahir to use the Arabic Muslim greeting, assalam mu alikum and the response walikum asselem.  These are his spellings though I see other spellings out there.  They are considered prayers. 

The Tahir imitates the American greeting of “hi”.  He gives it a harsh spin and tells me animals say “hi”.  And to him it doesn’t mean anything.  To a certain extent his greeting is far more generous and loving, I do agree.  But I correct him with regards to “hi” having no meaning.  It means, "I acknowledge you and you are welcome to begin a conversation with me."  Tahir thought this was a kind way to define it even if it didn’t exactly give “hi” the dignity his greeting has.

 

I might add "hi" is kind of an abrupt shorthand.  His charge that Western Culture is not friendly is in a way included in this greeting.  It is not the leisurely welcome that Islam promotes.