Abu Dawud

997. Commentary:
«وبركاته» In the earliest manuscripts of Sunan Abu Dawood, the addition of «وبركاته» while turning the head to the right side is established, and on the left side, only saying «السلام وعليكم ورحمة الله» is established. However, in some manuscripts of Sunan Abu Dawood and in Bulugh al-Maram, the addition of «وبركاته» while turning the head for both salutations is established, from which it is understood that if a person says «وبركاته» while turning the head for both salutations, or wishes to do so, it is permissible. For details, see: [نيل الاوطار۔ 334/2، سبل السلام۔ 330۔ 331/1 اور شرح بلوغ المرام صفي الرحمٰن مبارك پوري]

Takhrij:
«أخرجه أبوداود، الصلاة، با ب في السلام، حديث:997.»©Explanation:
➊ From this hadith, it is understood that the addition of "wa barakatuhu" in the salutation (salam) of the prayer is established by an authentic hadith. Although this addition is not present in most narrations on this subject, its authenticity is proven from this and some other narrations as well, as Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has discussed this in detail in "Natā’ij al-Afkār." Therefore, saying "as-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu" is also correct.

➋ According to Imam Shafi‘i rahimahullah, and in fact according to the major Companions (radi Allahu anhum) and Followers (Tabi‘in), ending the prayer by saying "as-salamu ‘alaykum" is obligatory (fard). However, the Hanafis consider it only a sunnah, and they deem any act that is contrary to the prayer (i.e., that invalidates the prayer) as sufficient for exiting the prayer. But this is contrary to explicit ahadith and also opposes the verbal and practical sunnah.