Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "When the People of the Book greet you with Salam, then in reply you should only say, 'Wa Alaikum'."

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: When the Jews greet you, and if any of them says "As-Saam Alaik" (death be upon you), then you should reply only with "Wa Alaik" (and upon you).

Narrated Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): Some Jews came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, "As-Saam Alaik" (death be upon you). I understood what they said and replied, "Alaikum as-saam wal-la'nah" (death and curse be upon you). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Aisha, be gentle, for Allah loves gentleness in all matters." I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Did you not hear what they said?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "I have already replied to them: 'Wa Alaikum' (and upon you)."