The power of Salam

Before coming to the US, I've never wished Salam to a stranger before. In my country, we only wish that on the phone and when visitng other people's house (or that's just me). And the guys only do that to annoy the hell out of us. But in Islam, you're supposed to give Salam to any Muslim that you meet, everyone.

It took me a while to get into the habit of giving Salam to an unknown Muslim on campus. I started with smiling, in the EB and the bustop, usually to the hijabis so that I know for sure that the person is a Muslim. Then when I see them again, I say "Assalamualaikum". Oh and I always look into their eyes to show my sincerity; That way I can overcome my shyness. And I always reply other people's Salam, whether it's from a brother os a sister. And after a while, I'm not shy to wish Salam to strangers anymore :) Do you know that although answering the Salam is wajib and wishing it is only a sunnah, you'll get more reward by giving than answering.

And Alhamdulillah today, I wished salam to an unfamiliar sister who sat beside me in the computer lab. I found out a lot of things about her. She also asked for me for my facebook id and I added her as a friend. There are not many girls in the engineering building, let alone Muslim girls, hence I was so glad that I made a new friend. And for some reason, I feel so good about it, I just have to blog it between classes! Haha. So yeah, that's my story. I gotta run to class now.

Assalamualaikum.