Shalom vs. Salaam — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Shalom and Salaam both mean peace, hello, and goodbye, but "Shalom" is Hebrew while "Salaam" is Arabic.
Difference Between Shalom and Salaam
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shalom is a Hebrew word that holds a deep significance in Jewish culture and language. It is often used in both greeting and parting, carrying meanings of peace, harmony, and completeness. Salaam, while holding similar connotations of peace and well-being, is rooted in Arabic and is widely used in the Muslim world with the same dual purpose of greeting and farewell.
Shalom is an expression that goes beyond a simple hello or goodbye; it’s a wish for peace to the individual or group being addressed. Similarly, Salaam is not just a casual salutation, but also a blessing, signifying a desire for peace upon the person it is spoken to. Both terms are steeped in cultural and religious significance, reflecting the values of their respective societies.
In Judaism, Shalom is often used within the context of various rituals and practices, such as Shabbat, where "Shabbat Shalom" is a common wish for a peaceful Sabbath. In Islamic culture, Salaam is part of the longer salutation "As-salamu alaykum," meaning "Peace be upon you," emphasizing the importance of peace in the daily life of Muslims.
While Shalom is unique to Hebrew, Salaam has cognates in other Semitic languages due to the spread of Arabic through Islam. Therefore, variations of Salaam can be heard in non-Arab Muslim countries, whereas Shalom is primarily used in Hebrew-speaking communities or among Jewish diaspora worldwide.
The use of Shalom can be both formal and informal and is ingrained in many aspects of Jewish life and communication. Salaam is also flexible in its use and can be found in various levels of formality across the Muslim world, from casual encounters to diplomatic meetings, showing the universality of the concept of peace in human interactions.
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Comparison Chart
Language Origin
Hebrew
Arabic
Cultural/Religious Context
Jewish culture and religion
Islamic culture and religion
Cognates in Other Languages
Primarily in Hebrew
In multiple Semitic languages
Common Usage
Greeting, farewell, peace
Greeting, farewell, peace
Pronunciation
/ʃɑːˈloʊm/ or /ʃəˈloʊm/
/səˈlɑːm/
Compare with Definitions
Shalom
A state of completeness.
They found shalom in their new home.
Salaam
Arabic for peace and a greeting.
Salaam, I come in peace.
Shalom
A farewell wishing well-being.
Until we meet again, shalom.
Salaam
A traditional Islamic greeting.
Salaam alaykum, brother.
Shalom
Hebrew greeting meaning peace.
Shalom, may your day be filled with serenity.
Salaam
A word used for both hello and goodbye.
Salaam, it was good to see you.
Shalom
A Jewish expression for hello or goodbye.
Shalom, my friend, how have you been?
Salaam
An invocation of peace upon someone.
May salaam be upon her soul.
Shalom
A term used in religious contexts for peace.
Shalom is central to our prayers.
Salaam
A gesture of respect and goodwill.
He offered a salaam as he entered the room.
Shalom
Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם šālōm; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.As it does in English, it can refer to either peace between two entities (especially between a person and God or between two countries), or to the well-being, welfare or safety of an individual or a group of individuals. The word shalom is also found in many other expressions and names.
Salaam
A ceremonious act of deference or obeisance, especially a low bow performed while placing the right palm on the forehead.
Shalom
Used as a traditional Jewish greeting or farewell.
Salaam
A greeting in various Muslim cultures.
Shalom
A traditional Jewish greeting or farewell.
Salaam
Used as a greeting in various Muslim cultures.
Shalom
(countable) The traditional Jewish greeting of "shalom".
Salaam
To greet with or perform a salaam.
Shalom
Peace. en
Salaam
A respectful ceremonial greeting used mostly in Islamic countries.
Shalom
To greet somebody with "shalom".
Salaam
A low bow as a ceremonial act of deference.
Salaam
To perform a salaam to (someone).
Salaam
Same as Salam.
Finally, Josiah might have made his salaam to the exciseman just as he was folding up that letter.
Salaam
To make or perform a salam.
I have salaamed and kowtowed to him.
Salaam
A deep bow; a Muslim form of salutation
Salaam
Greet with a salaam
Common Curiosities
Are Shalom and Salaam interchangeable?
They are not interchangeable as they belong to different languages, Hebrew and Arabic respectively.
What does Shalom mean?
Shalom means peace, as well as hello and goodbye in Hebrew.
What does Salaam mean?
Salaam is the Arabic word for peace, and is also used for greetings and farewells.
Is Salaam specific to the Islamic faith?
While rooted in Islam, Salaam is used culturally beyond religious boundaries.
Can Shalom be used in non-religious contexts?
Yes, Shalom can be used in both secular and religious contexts.
Do Shalom and Salaam have the same pronunciation?
No, they have distinct pronunciations in their respective languages.
Are there variations of Salaam in other languages?
Yes, Salaam has variations in several other languages influenced by Arabic.
What is the full Islamic greeting that includes Salaam?
The full greeting is "As-salamu alaykum," which means "Peace be upon you."
Can Shalom be used both coming and going?
Yes, Shalom can be used when arriving or departing.
How is Shalom used in Jewish rituals?
Shalom is used in Jewish rituals to offer peace, such as greeting the Sabbath with "Shabbat Shalom."
What's the significance of Shalom in Israeli society?
Shalom is a fundamental concept in Israeli society, symbolizing a desire for peace.
Is Shalom used globally?
Yes, Shalom is recognized globally, especially within international Jewish communities.
Is Salaam used in formal situations?
Yes, Salaam can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Do Shalom and Salaam carry the same weight in greetings?
Both carry significant weight as greetings, embodying a deep wish for peace.
Can Salaam be used to address non-Muslims?
Yes, Salaam can be used to greet anyone, regardless of their faith.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
