Want to Understand Islam Better as a Christian

Sorry this got kinda long! Salaam everyone! I’m a Christian and honestly I’m not looking to change that right now, but I’ve seen so much mixed stuff online-some really beautiful and some just awful. My parents were super strict and kinda pushed Islamophobia on me, so I’ve only recently started trying to unlearn that. I want to break the cycle in my family and actually get to know other traditions so I can just be a decent human, you know? I really believe any community where "peace be upon you" is the greeting is worth learning about. Even Isa (peace be upon him) used to say that in the Bible, and that’s what got me thinking. Basically, I want to understand the basics of Islam. I’ve heard peace and treating others well are big things in Muslim cultures, and I truly want to know more-like beliefs, daily practices, books to check out, anything that helps. I’m trying to live how Jesus taught, and to me that means learning to respect and care about people. Just share what you’re comfortable with-I know some faiths keep certain things private, and I’m not sure if Islam does that. A few extra things I’ve been wondering: Is it okay for a non-Muslim like me to say assalamu alaikum to a Muslim? What are some simple Arabic words or phrases I should learn? Who are the most important people in Islam I should know about? I really do want to learn, I swear. Sorry again for the ramble, but I’ve been fed lies way too long and I’m just trying to fix it.