79/4. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 6231 — Who Should Give Salam First
The small number should greet the large number
Who Should Say Salam First? A Simple Hadith on Greeting Manners
Sahih Bukhari : 6231
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 6231
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " يُسَلِّمُ الصَّغِيرُ عَلَى الْكَبِيرِ، وَالْمَارُّ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ، وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ ".
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The young should greet the old, the passer by should greet the sitting one, and the small group of persons should greet the large group of persons. "
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 6231In-book reference : Book 79, Hadith 5USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 74, Hadith 250
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 6231
This Hadith gives clear Islamic greeting etiquette. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught that the young should greet the old, the passer-by should greet the sitting person, and the small group should greet the larger group. These words make the manners of salam easy to practice in daily life. The Hadith about saying salam first is not about showing pride or rank. It teaches order, respect, and smooth social conduct. The young person shows respect to the older person. The person moving past others begins the greeting. A smaller group greets a larger group. In this way, the greeting of peace spreads without confusion.
What we learn from this hadith
- The young should show respect by greeting the old.
- A passer-by should greet the one who is seated.
- A small group should greet a larger group.
- Salam has a clear place in everyday Muslim manners.
