The Etiquette of Offering Greetings

English translation

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'A rider should greet a pedestrian; a pedestrian should greet one who is sitting; and a small group should greet a large group (of people).'' <b>[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]</b>. The narration in Al-Bukhari adds: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The young should greet the elderly.''

English translation

Abu Umamah Sudaiy bin `Ajlan Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The person nearest to Allah is one who is the first to offer greeting." <b>[Abu Dawud, with a sound chain]</b>. The narration in At-Tirmidhi is: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: "O Messenger of Allah! When two persons meet, who should greet the other first?'' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The person nearest to Allah (i.e., one who is more obedient and therefore closer to Allah will say: As-Salam first)."