Parenting Perspective 

Greeting elders involves more than just polite words; body language is an equally powerful expression of respect. A child might say ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ in passing, without making eye contact, which diminishes the sincerity of the gesture. Teaching them to combine respectful words with mindful posture helps them honour elders with warmth and sincerity. 

Model the Complete Greeting 

Demonstrate to your child the key components of a respectful greeting. Show them how to: 

• Stand still and turn to face the elder. 

• Offer a warm smile or a gentle expression. 

• Briefly make eye contact without staring. 

• Use a clear and calm voice. 

• Add a small gesture, such as placing a hand on the chest or offering a handshake where appropriate. 

Breaking the greeting down into these clear and simple steps makes it much easier for children to practise and remember. 

Practise Through Role-Playing 

You can create opportunities for practice at home by pretending to be a grandparent or an older relative, allowing your child to rehearse greeting you. Offer gentle praise for their efforts, such as, ‘I really liked how you stood still and looked at me when you said salaam.’ This kind of positive reinforcement in a safe environment builds the confidence they need for real-life situations. 

Reinforce With Consistency 

Encourage respectful greetings not only on formal occasions but also in daily interactions, such as when leaving for school, arriving home, or meeting members of the community. Through consistent repetition, this behaviour becomes a natural habit rather than a performance. By integrating words with body language, your child learns that genuine respect is attentive and sincere, not rushed or half-hearted. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places significant emphasis on offering greetings of peace and honouring elders through both speech and conduct. 

A Blessed Greeting from Allah 

The act of greeting is a form of worship that carries immense blessings when performed with the right intention. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verses 61: 

‘…But when you enter the houses, then say Salaam in your greeting, pertaining to Allah (Almighty) for your own benefit, which is Blessed and a source of purification; in this way (Allah) Almighty has clarified for you the benchmarks (of modest behaviour); so that you may understand (the rationale of the truth).’ 

This verse reminds us that greetings are ordained by Allah and serve to foster goodness and understanding among believers. 

The Etiquette of Humility 

Prophetic guidance outlines the proper etiquette of greeting, which instils humility and order within the community. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6231, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The young should greet the old, the passerby should greet the one sitting, and the small group should greet the larger group.’ 

This hadith teaches us that both our words and our manners are important. Initiating a greeting is an act of humility and respect that reflects beautiful Islamic character, or adab. 

By teaching your child to greet elders with both kind words and respectful posture, you are nurturing their manners as a direct expression of their faith. Over time, they will come to understand that even small gestures of warmth and respect strengthen family and community bonds.