حمد لله على السلامة

You say it the moment you see someone after a journey. You can also say it when you visit someone who was sick. It is a complete sentence on its own. You don't need to add much else. Just smile and say Hamdullah 'ala al-salama. It sounds natural and kind.

Use it at the airport when picking up a friend. Use it when a colleague returns from a long vacation. It works perfectly when someone recovers from a common cold. Even if someone just survives a very long, boring meeting, you can use it. It shows you care about their physical and mental well-being.

Don't use it if someone is just walking into a room normally. It is not a standard 'hello.' Don't use it if someone is leaving on a trip. For that, you say Ma'a al-salama. It is strictly for the return or the recovery. Using it at the wrong time might make people think you're confused!

In Arab culture, safety is seen as a divine blessing. Historically, travel across the desert was very dangerous. Returning safely was a major cause for communal celebration. This phrase carries that deep history of relief and gratitude. It connects the speaker and the listener through shared relief and faith.

In Egypt, you might hear Hamdilla 'ala al-salama. In the Levant, people often say Al-hamdullah 'ala al-salama. The response is almost always Allah yisallimak to a male. Use Allah yisallimik for a female. It means 'May God keep you safe too.' It completes the beautiful cycle of well-wishing.