Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: The Jews used to come to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and say «اَلسَّامُ عَلَيكُم» (may destruction and death be upon you) instead of «السلام عليكم». The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would reply: «وعليكم» "And upon you as well." Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) understood their (the Jews') words and spoke harshly to them (and in one narration, she said: Rather, may destruction and condemnation be upon you). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Aisha, leave it! Do not use unpleasant words, for indeed Allah dislikes foul and abusive language." She said: O Messenger of Allah! But they were saying this to you? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Did I not respond to them (in a good manner)?" Then Allah the Exalted revealed this verse: «وَإِذَا جَاءُوكَ حَيَّوْكَ بِمَا لَمْ يُحَيِّكَ بِهِ اللَّهُ» "And when they come to you, they greet you with words with which Allah does not greet you," to the end of the verse (Surah Al-Mujadila: 8).