Embracing is also permitted during special occasions, such as Eid or other festivals.
The Hadith also states that when followers of Muhammad met, they would shake hands, although if one had been on a journey, they would embrace. 'Goodbye' in Arabic is 'ma'aasalaama.' All of these terms are understood throughout the Muslim world. 'Hello' in Arabic is therefore 'As-Salaam-Alaikum,' or 'Peace be Upon You,' to which the response is 'Wa-Alaikum-Salaam,' or 'Unto You be Peace.' This can be shortened to just 'Salaam' among peers or close friends. According to the Hadith, or Islamic religious teaching, Allah told Adam to take his greeting from the Angels, and pass it on to his offspring. Although not all Muslims speak Arabic as a first language, and not everyone who speaks Arabic is a Muslim, Arabic is the 'lingua franca' of Islam.
