Conclusion of Salah
The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ makes it clear how to offer the concluding Salam after completing Salah. Various narrations from the noble Companions رضي الله عنهم describe the concluding words and manner of Salam in prayer.
❶ Saying Salam to the Right and Left
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه narrated:
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ turned to the right for Salam, he would say:
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَیْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ
And when he turned to the left for Salam, he would also say:
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَیْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ
(Abu Dawood: 699, Tirmidhi: As-Salah, Chapter: What Has Been Reported Regarding Tasleem in Salah, 592 — graded Sahih by Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibban)
❷ Adding “وَبَرَكَاتُهُ” in the Right-Side Salam
Sayyiduna Wa’il ibn Hujr رضي الله عنه narrated:
I prayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and when he turned to the right for Salam, he said:
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَیْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
And when he turned to the left for Salam, he said:
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَیْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ
Meaning, he would add "وَبَرَكَاتُهُ" in the Salam to the right side.
(Abu Dawood: As-Salah, Chapter: As-Salam, 799 — authenticated by Imam Nawawi and Imam Ibn Hajar)
❸ Prohibition of Gesturing with Hands While Saying Salam
Sayyiduna Jabir ibn Samurah رضي الله عنه narrated:
When we prayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, we used to gesture with our hands to the right and left while saying Salam. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw this, he said:
"Why do you move your hands as if they were the tails of restless horses? It is sufficient for you to place your hand on your thigh and then say Salam to your right and left (by turning your face)."
(Muslim: As-Salah, Chapter: Command to Maintain Stillness in Salah, 134)
