They greeted him with cries of “Salaam aleikum” (may peace be upon you), and in Samarkand the en tire population came out into the streets chanting community songs.

Daily, we share God's blessing: Salaam Aleikum -- "Peace be upon you." This is the true voice of Islam, but it is not the voice that Americans always hear. Instead, ...

They started by shaking hands. We said "Salaam aleikum" – peace be upon you – then the first pebbles flew past my face. A small boy tried to grab my bag.