وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا۟ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَآ أَوْ رُدُّوهَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَسِيبًا 86
Translations
And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed Allāh is ever, over all things, an Accountant.
Transliteration
Wa-idha huyeeta bitahiyyatin fahayyu bi-ahsana minha aw rudduh. Inna Allaha kana 'ala kulli shay'in hasiba
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands Muslims to respond to greetings with equal or better greetings, establishing the principle of reciprocal courteous conduct in social interactions. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that 'Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh' (Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah) represents the superior greeting, and responding with the same or adding to it fulfills this command. The ayah concludes by reminding believers that Allah is cognizant of all matters, implying accountability for how we treat others.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Medinan context of Surah An-Nisa, which addresses social organization and interpersonal ethics in the Muslim community. It reflects the Islamic emphasis on building harmonious social bonds through courtesy and good manners (adab) during the establishment of the Islamic society in Medina.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When one of you is greeted with a greeting, greet in return with a better greeting, or at least return it. Allah likes those who are best in their deeds' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari), emphasizing ethical speech.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islam values polite social interaction and encourages believers to exceed minimum expectations in their treatment of others, recognizing that such conduct reflects our faith and is observed by Allah. In modern contexts, this principle extends beyond verbal greetings to all forms of communication and social engagement, reminding us to respond to others' kindness with generosity and excellence.