It is narrated from Sayyiduna Usama bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) rode on a donkey on whose saddle there was a sheet made in Fadak, and he (peace be upon him) seated Usama bin Zaid behind him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) went to visit Sayyiduna Sa’d bin ‘Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him) to inquire about his health, until he (peace be upon him) passed by a gathering in which ‘Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul was also present. This incident occurred before this enemy of Allah had outwardly accepted Islam. In the gathering, there were Muslims, polytheists, and idolaters mixed together. The Prophet (peace be upon him) greeted them with salam.
Hadith Referenceالادب المفرد / كتاب أهل الكتاب / 1108
Hadith Gradingالألبانی:صحيح
Hadith Takhrij«صحيح : أخرجه البخاري ، كتاب الأدب : 6207 و مسلم : 1798 و النسائي فى الكبرىٰ : 7460»
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Maulana Usman Muneeb
Benefits and Issues: ➊ From this, it is understood that where disbelievers and Muslims are mixed together, it is permissible to initiate the greeting of salam. ➋ Riding on a donkey is not a fault, and furthermore, if the animal is able to bear it, more than one person may ride upon it. ➌ It is permissible to travel or to ride in order to visit someone who is ill.
Source: Fadlullah al-Ahad: Urdu Commentary on al-Adab al-Mufrad, Page: 1108