Shaykh Muhammad Nasiruddin Al-Albani was asked:

Question:

Our Shaikh, what is the difference between (عليكم السلام ) and (وعليكم السلام ) ?

Shaikh:

“There is no difference and both are allowed. However, perhaps what is better is [to add] the waw (و)”

[Silsilatul-Huda wan-Nur no. 164]

Translated by

Faisal bin Abdul Qaadir bin Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan