Narrated by Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) from Aisha (RA):
She said: A group of Jews sought permission to enter upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). When they entered, they said, “As-Saamu ‘alaika” (Death be upon you). So I said, “Rather, death and curse be upon you!”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“O Aisha! Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness in all matters.”
I said: “Did you not hear what they said?”
He replied: “And I said: Wa ‘alaikum (and upon you).”
أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ عَنْ ابْنِ عُيَيْنَةَ عَنْ الزُّهْرِيِّ عَنْ عُرْوَةَ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ اسْتَأْذَنَ رَهْطٌ مِنْ الْيَهُودِ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا السَّامُ عَلَيْكَ فَقُلْتُ بَلْ عَلَيْكُمْ السَّامُ وَاللَّعْنَةُ فَقَالَ يَا عَائِشَةُ إِنَّ اللهَ رَفِيقٌ يُحِبُّ الرِّفْقَ فِي الأَمْرِ كُلِّهِ قُلْتُ أَوَلَمْ تَسْمَعْ مَا قَالُوا قَالَ قُلْتُ وَعَلَيْكُمْ
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6927
(Hadith Grading: Sahih)
