'A'isha reported that a group of Jews came to Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) and sought his audience and said: As-Sam-u-'Alaikum. A'isha said in response: As-Sam-u-'Alaikum (death be upon you) and curse also, whereupon Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) said: 'A'isha, verily Allah loves kindness in every matter. She said: Did you hear what they said? Thereupon he said: Did you not hear that I said (to them): Wa 'Alaikum.

This hadith has been transmitted on the authority of Zuhri that Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) said: I said 'Alaikam, and the transmitter did not make mention of the word "and".

'A'isha reported that some Jews came to Allah's Apostle ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) and they said: Abu'l-Qasim (the Kunya of the Holy Prophet), as-Sam-u-'Alaikum, whereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Wa 'Alaikum. A'isha reported: In response to these words of theirs, I said: But let there be death upon you and disgrace also, whereupon Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) said: 'A'isha, do not use harsh words. She said: Did you hear what they said? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Did I not respond to them when they said that; I said to them: Wa'Alaikum (let it be upon you).

This hadith has been reported on the authority of A'znash with a slight variation of wording. 'A'isha understood their meaning and cursed them and Allah's Messenger ( صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ) said: 'A'isha. (do not do that) for Allah does not like the use of harsh words, and it was at this stage that this verse of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious was revealed: "And when they come to thee, they greet thee with a greeting with which Allah greets thee not" (Iviii. 8) to the end of the verse.