859/1 - In the Hadīth about the man who prayed wrong, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he prayed, came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and greeted him. He returned the greeting and said: “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” He went back, prayed, and then came and greeted the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). He did that three times. [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) Repetition of the greeting is a favor from Allah Almighty upon His servants, for it is a means for reaping more rewards.
2) A teacher should make his students eager for knowledge and useful information. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) did not teach the man who prayed wrong from the first time. But, he kept him longing for knowledge. When a person gets something after badly needing it, it stays with him.
3) It shows the Prophet’s mercy towards his Ummah and his keenness to teach and guide them.
860/2 - He also reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When anyone of you meets his brother, let him give him the greeting of peace. If a tree, a wall, or a stone comes between them and then he meets him, let him give him the greeting of peace.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd]
1) Adherence to the Prophet’s guidance brings forth cordiality and love between fellow Muslims.
2) It encourages us to remove any bad feelings within our hearts and deepen the bonds between us, the believers, even if separation is only caused by a stone or a tree. Then what about real separation and schism! A person should seek to bring about reconciliation between his fellow Muslims.