The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, "Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring." So, Adam said (to the angels), As-Salamu Alaikum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, "As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi" (i.e. Peace and Allah's Mercy be upon you). Thus the angels added to Adam's salutation the expression, 'Wa Rahmatu-l-lahi,' Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam's creation.
Tafsir of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 3326
This narration from the Book of Prophets in Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the creation of Adam (AS) and the origin of the Islamic greeting.
The Stature of Adam
The height of sixty cubits (approximately 30 meters) demonstrates Adam's perfect creation as the first human and father of mankind. This immense stature reflects the honor and excellence with which Allah created the first human being.
The decrease in human stature over generations signifies the gradual diminishing of the original perfection, serving as a reminder of the temporal nature of this world compared to the eternal perfection of Paradise.
The Divine Instruction
Allah's command to Adam to greet the angels established the foundation of Islamic etiquette. This demonstrates that proper greetings are divinely ordained and carry spiritual significance beyond mere social convention.
Adam's immediate obedience without questioning shows the perfect submission (islam) that characterized his relationship with his Creator.
The Angels' Response
The angels' addition of "wa Rahmatu-l-lahi" (and Allah's Mercy be upon you) exemplifies how the righteous enhance what is good. This teaches Muslims to respond to greetings with better or equal expressions.
The complete greeting "As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" embodies the comprehensive Islamic spirit - encompassing peace, mercy, and blessings from Allah.
Paradisiacal Restoration
The promise that inhabitants of Paradise will resemble Adam's original form indicates the restoration of human perfection in the hereafter. This serves as consolation for the physical imperfections of this worldly existence.
This hadith connects the beginning of creation with its ultimate conclusion, showing the continuity of Allah's plan from the first human to the eternal abode.