/ The one who is riding should greet the one walking, the one who is walking should greet the one sitting, and the small group of people should greet the large one

The one who is riding should greet the one walking, the one who is walking should greet the one sitting, and the small group of people should greet the large one

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who is riding should greet the one walking, the one who is walking should greet the one sitting, and the small group of people should greet the large one."
Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) guides to the etiquette of extending the greeting of peace among people: "As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh" (may the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you). The young should greet the old, the one who is riding should greet the one walking, the one who is walking should greet the one sitting, and a small group of people should greet the large one.

Hadeeth benefits

  1. It is recommended to extend the greetings the way mentioned in the Hadīth. However, if the one who is walking greeted the one riding, or anything else of what is mentioned, it is permissible but it is contrary to what is perfect and best.
  2. Spreading the greeting of peace in the manner mentioned in the Hadīth leads to love and harmony.
  3. If they are equal and equivalent regarding what is mentioned in the Hadīth, the best among them is the one who initiates the greeting of peace.
  4. The perfection of this Shariah lies in clarifying everything that people need.
  5. Teaching the greeting etiquettes and giving each one his due right.