Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Discussion on Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 200
What is the correct method of saying salām at the end of ṣalāh? Some worshippers bow slightly forward while saying salām and look at other worshippers, while others turn their faces to the right and left and look at those around them or at objects. Are these methods correct, and what is the Sunnah way?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd!
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
❖ Question:
What is the correct method of saying salām at the end of ṣalāh? Some worshippers bow slightly forward while saying salām and look at other worshippers, while others turn their faces to the right and left and look at those around them or at objects. Are these methods correct, and what is the Sunnah way?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd!
- Turning the face to the right and left when saying salām is proven from the Sunnah.
- However, bowing forward while saying salām has no evidence in any authentic ḥadīth.
✦ Sunnah Method
- The Sunnah is to turn the face to the right and then to the left while saying salām.
- One should not bow forward or intentionally look at other worshippers or objects.
Conclusion
- The correct Sunnah is:
◈ Turn the face to the right and say salām.
◈ Then turn the face to the left and say salām. - Leaning forward or looking around while giving salām is against the Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
