Topic
Hadith differ on greeting Christians and Jews first; the Prophet greeted mixed gatherings, and most scholars allow it.
What it means
The Quran says “when you are greeted with a greeting, answer with a better one, or return it” (4:86), and does not forbid kindness to those who have not fought the Muslims (60:8). A hadith in Sahih Muslim says not to greet the Jews and Christians first and to force them to the narrowest part of the road. Another, in Sahih al-Bukhari, says that the Prophet passed a gathering of Muslims, idolaters and Jews and greeted them all, and that when the People of the Book greet you, say “and upon you” (wa ʿalaykum).
What the sources say
Scholars note that the first report came after the treachery of Banu Qurayza and was about a particular situation. Most jurists, including many of the Companions’ followers, allow greeting non-Muslims first, with Ibn Abbas and others reported to have done so. The Quran’s instruction to treat all with justice and kindness stands behind it.