79/7. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 6234 — Greeting Elders and Groups
The younger person should greet the older one
Greeting Elders in Islam: The Younger Begins Salam
Sahih Bukhari : 6234
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 6234
وَقَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ عَنْ مُوسَى بْنِ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ سُلَيْمٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يُسَلِّمُ الصَّغِيرُ عَلَى الْكَبِيرِ، وَالْمَارُّ عَلَى الْقَاعِدِ، وَالْقَلِيلُ عَلَى الْكَثِيرِ ".
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 6234In-book reference : Book 79, Hadith 8USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 74, Hadith 252
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 6234
This Hadith teaches greeting elders in Islam with simple and respectful manners. Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said that the younger person should greet the older one, the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number should greet the large number. This wording places respect at the heart of salam. It also gives clear guidance for common daily moments, such as passing by someone or meeting a larger group. The Hadith does not make greeting formal or difficult. It shows that peace can be spread with awareness, respect, and good order among people.
What we learn from this hadith
- The younger person should greet the older person.
- The walking person should greet the sitting person.
- A smaller group should greet a larger group.
- Salam is linked with respect and good social conduct.
