Is Saying “Allah Hafiz” Instead of “Assalamu Alaikum” Considered Bidah?
Question
Assalamu alaikom sheikh, I hope you are in the best of health and imaan.
Is saying “Allah hafiz” instead of assalamu alaikom as a phrase when leaving or saying goodbye considered bidah? I have only seen it in South Asian culture. If I have friends who say it, should I advise them privately to avoid it?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This issue requires distinguishing between acts of worship that are fixed by revelation and customary expressions that fall under culture and language.
1. The Shar‘i Context of Greeting and Farewell
The legislated Islamic greeting is clear.
Allah says:
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet with better than it or return it.”
Surat an Nisa 4:86
The Sunnah established the greeting of peace:
“Spread salam among yourselves.”
Sahih Muslim
The phrase assalamu alaikum is the prescribed greeting and carries reward and spiritual significance.
However, saying farewell is not limited to one specific phrase in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ used various expressions when parting from companions, including supplications.
Among authentic narrations:
“I entrust you to Allah whose trusts are never lost.”
Abu Dawud
This shows that making a du’a upon departure is from the Sunnah.
2. Is “Allah Hafiz” Bidah?
The phrase “Allah hafiz” means “May Allah protect you” or “Allah is your protector.”
It is a statement of du’a and reliance upon Allah.
It is not:
- A newly invented act of worship.
- A replacement ritual claiming religious superiority.
- A distortion of an established Sunnah formula.
Rather, it is a customary expression of du’a.
3. Relevant Usul Principles
الأصل في العادات الإباحة
The default ruling in customs is permissibility.
Worldly expressions and language are permissible unless proven otherwise.
العادة محكمة
Custom is authoritative.
Cultural phrases are acceptable so long as they do not contradict Sharia.
العبادات مبناها على التوقيف
Acts of worship are restricted to revelation.
Since saying farewell phrases is not a fixed ritual form of worship, it does not fall under innovation unless claimed as religiously prescribed.
4. Should It Replace Salam?
If someone entirely abandons the Sunnah greeting of assalamu alaikum and replaces it with cultural phrases, this is not ideal. The Sunnah greeting carries specific reward and should be preserved.
But using “Allah hafiz” when departing is permissible and not bidah.
5. Advising Others
There is no obligation to correct someone for saying “Allah hafiz,” because it is not sinful nor an innovation in worship.
If anything, one may gently encourage maintaining salam regularly, without framing “Allah hafiz” as wrong.
Final Ruling
Saying “Allah hafiz” as a farewell phrase is not bidah. It is a permissible cultural expression of du’a. It does not replace or invalidate the Sunnah greeting of assalamu alaikum, which remains the legislated greeting of Islam.
There is no need to advise others to stop saying it, though encouraging the Sunnah greeting is always good.
And Allah knows best.