was before the prohibition of speech, while others interpret it differently; but both answers are open to question.

What appears to be correct is that the prohibited addressing of people is to address someone in the customary manner, such as saying, “O so-and-so, come here.” This is ordinary human speech that invalidates the prayer. But if a person brings someone to mind and then says, “May Allah forgive you, O so-and-so,” then whether this invalidates the prayer is open to question. Yet, in order to avoid any doubtful matter, instead of saying, “May Allah forgive you,” say, “O Allah, forgive him.” This is permissible by consensus.

Then he gives the salām to his right: “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah,” …

His statement, “Then he gives the salām to his right,” means that after the tashahhud and supplication, he gives the salām to his right and to his left. To his right he says, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah,” and to his left, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.” This is indeed an address, but it is an address by which one exits the prayer, unlike an address made during the prayer.

Question: To whom does he give the salām?

The answer: They say that if he is with a congregation, then the salām is directed to them; and if he is not with a congregation, then it is directed to the angels on his right and left. He says, “Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.”

If a person gives the salām while praying with a congregation, must the congregation return his greeting?

The answer: No. Although Abu Dawud narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed them to return the imam’s greeting and to greet one another (1), what is meant is: