Just before the arrival of the Prophet (SWAS) in Madinah there was great anticipation among those who had never met him before. Among them was Abdullah Ibn Salaam (RA) who was a Jewish Rabbi who later became a Muslim.
He was a keen student of the Torah, where he had carefully studied the characteristics of the prophet to come. When it was announced that the Prophet (SWAS) was about to enter Yathrib, he was amongst those in the forefront. Upon observing the face of Muhammad (SWAS) he declared, “this is not a face of a liar”.
At this critical juncture in history, the first speech the Prophet (SWAS) gave was critical. It reflects the priority of a minority seeking refuge in a multi-religious host society. That Hadith reaches us through the narration of Abdullah Ibn Salaam (RA).
Abdullah ibn Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived for the first time in Madinah, I went with everyone to see him. When I saw him, I knew his face was not that of a liar. The first words he said were, “O people, feed the hungry, spread Salam (greeting of peace), maintain your kin relationships, and pray at night while others are asleep. With this, you shall enter Heaven in peace.” (Al-Bukhari)
This hadith which begins and ends with Salaam (peace) and is reported by Abdulllah Ibn Salaam (RA) is known as the Hadith of Salaam.
