the opposite were to occur—if the elder greeted the younger, the larger group the smaller, the one who is sitting the passer-by, or the pedestrian the rider—the Sunnah would still be realized, for both parties share the same command to spread the greeting of peace. The first arrangement, however, is more complete in embodying the Sunnah, because it is the one specifically emphasized in the earlier instruction.

3. This ruling concerns occasions when the two parties meet along a road or similar setting. If, however, they come upon someone who is already seated, then the arrivals must initiate the salām in every case—whether they are young or old, mounted or on foot, many or few—and the converse applies accordingly.