This hadeeth comes under the following chapter: PROHIBITION OF SAYING FIRST AS-SALAM-U-'ALAIKUM TO THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK, AND HOW THEIR SALUTATIONS SHOULD BE RESPONDED
This hadith has been reported on the authority of A'znash with a slight variation of wording. 'A'isha understood their meaning and cursed them and Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: 'A'isha. (do not do that) for Allaah does not like the use of harsh words, and it was at this stage that this verse of Allaah. the Exalt. ed and Glorious. was revealed:" And when they come to thee, they greet thee with a greeting with which Allaah greets thee not" (Iviii. 8) to the end of the verse.