1255 – On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Let the younger greet the elder, the passer-by the one who is seated, and the smaller group the larger.” Agreed upon.
In another wording recorded by Muslim: “and the rider (should greet) the walker.” (1)

What is derived from the ḥadīth:

1. The report establishes a recommended order regarding who initiates the greeting of salām, mentioning four situations:
   a. Reverence is owed by the young to the old; therefore the younger should honor the elder and begin with the greeting and salutation.
   b. The person passing in front of someone who is seated should start with the salām, for he is, in effect, the one arriving.
   c. The larger group has a right over the smaller; thus it is better for the smaller group to initiate the greeting, intending it for the entire assembly and thereby including everyone.
   d. The rider enjoys the advantage of elevation and the blessing of transport; beginning with the salām expresses gratitude to Allah for that favor and prevents any sense of pride. The rider must therefore humble himself and greet the pedestrian first.
2. Al-Sharḥ al-Iqnāʿ states: “It is sunnah for the young to greet the old, the few the many, the walker the one who is sitting, and the rider the pedestrian, in accordance with the ḥadīth, for if…"