Syedna Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that some Jews, under the pretense of greeting, said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): O Abu al-Qasim! As-Saam Alaika (death be upon you). He replied: Wa Alaikum (and upon you). Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, while she was angry: O Messenger of Allah! Did you hear what they said? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Yes, I heard, and I have replied to them. The fact is that our supplications against them are accepted, but their supplications against us are not accepted.
Hadith Referenceالفتح الربانی / كتاب السلام والاستئذان وآداب أخرى / 8285
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:صحیح
Hadith Takhrij«أخرجه مسلم:2166 ، (انظر مسند أحمد ترقيم الرسالة: 15106 ترقیم بيت الأفكار الدولية: 15172»
Brief Explanation
Benefits: … From these blessed ahadith it is understood that when the People of the Book say "as-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or alter this phrase to utter a curse, then in response one should say "wa alaykum" (and upon you as well). This is the position of the majority (jumhur), and Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah, supporting this view, has narrated the following report: