Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah sanctify his soul—also said:

Peace, Allah’s mercy, and His blessings be upon the Prophet. Peace, Allah’s mercy, and His blessings be upon his neighbours, the inhabitants of “Medina, Taybah,” living and dead, among the Emigrants, the Helpers, and all other believers.

To the shaykh and imam, the spiritually discerning and devout follower, the ascetic worshipper, Shams al-Dīn—may Allah inscribe faith in his heart, strengthen him with a spirit from Him, bestow mercy upon him from Himself, and teach him knowledge from His own presence. May He make him one of His God-fearing allies, His successful party, and His chosen intimates. May He grant him the ability to follow His Prophet inwardly and outwardly and to join him in this world and the Hereafter. Indeed, He is the One who grants this and has the power to do so—

From Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah:

Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

To proceed:

In addressing you, we praise Allah, besides whom there is no god. He is worthy of all praise and has power over all things. We ask Him to send blessings upon His chosen one from among His creation, the best of His creatures, the unlettered Prophet, “Muhammad,” and upon his family, and to grant him abundant peace.