– aṭ-ṭayyibāt: a general statement following a specific one; every wholesome word, deed, and attribute rightly belongs to Allah Most High.
– as-salām: al-Nawawī remarks that in both occurrences of the word one may omit the lām or retain it; retaining it is preferable, and it is the form found in the versions of al-Bukhārī and Muslim. The original construction was sallamtu ʿalayka ("I extend peace to you"); the verb was then dropped, the verbal noun took its place, and the case changed from accusative to nominative to indicate permanence. The definite article in the two instances is either (a) "presuppositional," aimed at the righteous servants of Allah who preceded us and our brethren, or (b) generic, meaning: the very reality of peace is upon you.
– as-salāmu ʿalayka ayyuhā an-nabiyy: that is, may you be free of every defect and blemish, of any harm or corruption; it is the worshipper’s supplication for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
– Al-Nawawī adds: al-Salām is one of Allah’s Names, meaning the One utterly free of imperfection and of all that is disliked, harmful, or deficient; therefore true peace originates with Him, exalted is He.
– ʿalayka: the second-person pronoun here is not meant for someone physically present; it merely forms part of the greeting, whether the addressee be present or absent, near or far, living or deceased. Hence it is uttered silently. The Prophet ﷺ alone is honored with this direct address in the prayer, for the worshipper brings him to mind so vividly that it is as though he were standing before him. This privilege, and the exclusive use of the second-person pronoun for him, attest to his lofty rank and to the exaltation of his name and remembrance.
– an-nabiyy (the Prophet): the term may derive from anbaʾa (to inform), making it an active participle—"one who conveys Allah’s message"—or from nubuwwa (eminence), denoting high rank. Morphologically it can bear an active sense, "one informed by Allah," or a passive sense, "one endowed with revelation from Allah"; both readings are valid.
– raḥmat Allāh (the mercy of Allah): a real attribute befitting His majesty through which He shows mercy to His servants and bestows His favors upon them.