It is narrated from Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that I was riding behind Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Whenever he passed by any people, he would say: «السلام علیکم» and the people would reply: «السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ». Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) would say: «السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ» and they would say: «السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ وبرکاتہ». Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Today, people have surpassed us greatly in virtue.
Through another chain, it is also narrated from Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) in a similar manner.