Lady Aisha Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: Some Jews came to the service of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They said: "As-Saam Alaikum" (meaning: death be upon you). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied: "Alaikum" (meaning: upon you too). Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: I understood what they said. I said: "Death be upon you and may the curse be upon you." The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "O Aisha! Be gentle, Allah Almighty likes gentleness in every matter." I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)! Did you not hear what they said?" The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "I have also said 'Alaikum' (meaning: upon you too)."