«أَلْفْ طَقْطَقْ وَلَا سَلَامُ عَلِيكُمْ»

The saying favors announcing oneself before entering rather than arriving abruptly, even with a courteous greeting. Knocking may cause a little disturbance, but it alerts those inside and lets them preserve their privacy.

It urges visitors to seek permission and wait for admission; it does not reject greetings themselves. Recorded as an old colloquial saying, it was also cited by al-Ibshihi in a version using “daqdq” rather than “taqtaq.”

Use it to advise someone to knock, announce themselves, or otherwise wait before entering. It can also criticize an unannounced arrival that leaves people unable to respond or prepare; the point is respectful notice, not discourtesy toward greetings.