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» (instead of "As-Salamu Alaikum," they would say "As-Saamu Alaikum" — may death and destruction be upon you). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would reply: «وعليك» ("And upon you as well"). Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) understood what they meant and responded to them harshly (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 say unpleasant things, for indeed Allah does not like foul language and bad words." She said: "O Messenger of Allah! Did you not hear what they were saying 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 revealed this verse: «وَإِذَا جَاءُوكَ حَيَّوْكَ بِمَا لَمْ يُحَيِّكَ بِهِ اللَّـهُ» (58:8 Al-Mujadila) "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).