and the other to the left; a detailed discussion of the words “wa barakātuh” will follow, God willing.
3 – This is the salutation the Prophet ﷺ used when ending the prayer, and nothing contrary to it has been transmitted from him. He said, “Pray as you have seen me pray” ⦗al-Bukhārī 605⦘. It is recommended that the worshiper intend by this salutation to exit from the prayer; even without that intention the prayer is valid, and the first salutation alone is sufficient.
4 – Beginning the salām with the right side and turning the head for both salutations are sunnah practices, not obligatory.
5 – Concerning the addition “wa barakātuh,” Sharḥ al-Iqnāʿ states: “If one adds ‘wa barakātuh,’ it is permissible, for the Prophet ﷺ sometimes did so, as reported by Abū Dāwūd.” Al-Albānī said: “He would occasionally add in the first salutation, ‘wa barakātuh’ ⦗reported by Abū Dāwūd with a sound chain⦘. Hence it is best to include this addition from time to time, since it is absent from other narrations, which shows that the Prophet ﷺ did not make it a regular practice.”
6 – The words as-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh… are a prayer for safety from defects, flaws, and harms, and a plea for mercy for those present—the worshipers as well as the noble angels in attendance. It is a fitting supplication, and the worshiper should be mindful of these meanings and observe the etiquette of supplication while saying it.
7 – Al-Rawd and its commentary state: “It is disliked for the imam to prolong his sitting after the salām while still facing the qiblah, because Muslim ⦗592⦘ narrated from ʿĀʾishah that she said: ‘When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave the salām, he would not remain seated except for the time it took to say, ‘O Allah, You are Peace and from You is peace; blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honor.’’ His turning toward the congregation signals that the prayer has ended, so they need not wait.”
Al-Nawawī and others also reported that once he ﷺ turned around, he would face all the worshipers squarely with his blessed countenance.