Essential Arabic Greetings and Reciprocal

Absolutely. It is the standard greeting in the Arab world for everyone, Christian, Muslim, or otherwise. It's cultural as much as it is religious.

It means 'Two Marhabas' or 'Double Hello'. In Arabic, we often use the dual form (two of something) to emphasize generosity.

Yes, especially among youth and on social media (Hi or Hala). But in a B1 level context or formal setting, stick to the classics.

The most common is Ma'a as-salama (With safety). The response is often Allah yusalmak (God keep you safe).

It sounds a bit odd, like answering a question that wasn't asked. Stick to the 'Khayr' (Goodness) first, 'Noor' (Light) second pattern.

Ideally, yes. Standing up to greet someone arriving is a sign of respect (Ihtiram). Staying seated can be seen as dismissive.

It's a very warm welcome. Ahlan means family and Sahlan means ease/plain. It means 'You are among family and tread on easy ground'.

You reply with Ahlan bik (to a male) or Ahlan biki (to a female). It means 'Welcome to you too'.

In text, people write 'Salam'. In speech, saying 'Salam' is very casual. Best to say the full phrase to be polite.

Alo is common, but As-salamu alaykum or Marhaba are standard openers after picking up.

Use the plural As-salamu alaykum. It covers everyone. You don't need to say hello to 10 people individually (thank goodness).

The greeting usually stays the same (Sabah al-khayr), but the response might change pronouns (e.g., Ahlan bik vs Ahlan biki).

Morning of Roses. It's a variation of Sabah an-noor. Arabs love flower metaphors for mornings.

Usually after the Dhuhr (noon) prayer, or just generally afternoon. It runs until late night.

Tusbih 'ala khayr is strictly a farewell before sleep or leaving a house late at night. You don't say it when arriving.

It means 'May you wake up to goodness'. It's a future-tense wish for the next morning.

You can say Allah ya'tik al-afia (May God give you health/strength). It acknowledges their hard work.

Standard reply: Al-hamdulillah (Praise God) or Bikhayr (Good). Don't just say 'Good' without thanking God—it's cultural.

It depends on the individual's religious observance. Wait for them to extend their hand first. If not, the hand-over-heart is perfect.

Yes, but keep it respectful. Intense staring can be aggressive, but no eye contact seems shifty.

The full As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. It earns you maximum 'politeness points'.