Al-Salam – The Source of Peace

1. Literal Meaning

The Name Al-Salam comes from the root s-l-m (س-ل-م), which conveys peace – and also one who is flawless.

Al-Salam is the One who is perfectly whole and free from imperfection, and the ultimate source of peace and safety for creation.

2. Quranic Usage

Al-Salam appears explicitly among the Divine Names in Al-Hashr 59:23: “He is Allah… the Sovereign, the Pure, the Source of Peace, the Giver of Faith, the Overseer…” (59:23)

Translations of Al-Salam:
Yusuf Ali: “the Source of Peace (and Perfection)”
Pickthall: “the Peace”
Sahih International: “the Perfection”
Muhammad Asad: “the One to whom all peace belongs”
Mustafa Khattab: “the Source of Peace”

3. Linguistic Form and Pattern

“Salam” is a noun of quality denoting wholeness. Related forms include salamah (soundness) and salim (sound, intact).

As a name, Al-Salam signifies absolute perfection and the One from whom all real peace proceeds.

4. Classical Scholarly Views

Al-Ghazali explains that Al-Salam is the One who is flawless.

5. Not Limited to “No Conflict”

Divine “peace” is not merely the absence of war; it is comprehensive well-being, safety, and wholeness that only God perfectly possesses and bestows.

6. Distinction from Similar Names

Al-Salam (wholeness and peace) pairs with Al-Mu’min (Giver of security) and Al-Quddus (the Pure). Al-Salam emphasizes freedom from defect and the bestowal of peace.

7. In Human Terms

Any peace we taste—inner calm or social harmony—is borrowed from Him. Lasting peace requires turning to the Source.

8. Spiritual Perspective

Invoking Al-Salam nurtures inner stillness and reconciles the heart. It invites us to spread safety and calm to others.

9. Practical Reflection

When anxious or conflicted, say “Ya Salam” and seek to become a channel of safety—through truthful speech, fair dealing, and gentleness.

10. Invocation and Dua

The Prophet concluded prayer with greetings of peace; among adhkar, calling “Ya Salam” is a means of seeking protection and wholeness.

11. Everyday Arabic Usage

Root s-l-m appears in:
– salam (peace),
taslim (greeting/peace),
muslim (one who submits),

islam (submission/peace) Examples: – as-salam ‘alaykum – Peace be upon you.
– dar al-salam – abode of peace.
– salim al-qalb – sound-hearted.

Appendix – Al Salaam as Flawless

I was under the impression that Al-Salam only refers to Peace.
However Al Ghazzali mentions Flawless as the meaning of the name. He reads As-Salam through the s-l-m root meaning salamah (soundness/wholeness), not only “peace.”

The Qur’an uses that root for qalb salim (“a sound, unblemished heart”), and on this lexical footing Ghazali explains As-Salam as “the Flawless”: the One whose essence has no lack, whose attributes are untouched by imperfection, and whose actions are untainted by evil.

In this framing, “peace/safety” are the effects of God’s flawless wholeness, while the core meaning (for the Divine Name) is freedom from defect.