It demonstrates his keen concern and hints at its obligatory nature. (1) The term is the plural of tahiyya (greeting). Some take it to mean salam (peace), as in the expression ḥayyaka-llah, i.e., “may God grant you peace.” Others understand it as “sovereignty,” and still others as “lasting existence.” It appears in the plural because the kings of the earth are greeted with many different formulas: to one it is said, “May you be spared reproach,” to another, “Good morning,” to another, “Remain safe,” and to yet another, “Live a thousand years.” Muslims were therefore instructed to say: “al-tahiyyat lillah …” (“all greetings belong to God”), meaning that every utterance denoting peace, dominion, or permanence is for God alone. Etymologically, tahiyya is a verbal noun on the pattern taf‘ila from ḥayah (life); assimilation occurred because of two identical consonants meeting, the h is a root letter, and the initial t is extra. See al-Nihaya. (2) That is, the invocations meant to exalt God—He alone deserves them and they do not befit anyone else. Other explanations exist; for details see the larger works such as Fath al-Bari and Mirqat al-Mafatih. (3) Meaning every wholesome expression suitable for praising God, unlike the extravagant phrases once used to salute kings. Some interpret al-tayyibat as the remembrance of God, others as righteous words such as supplication and praise, and still others as righteous deeds, which is the most comprehensive reading. Ibn Daqiq al-ʿId preferred this broader understanding; see Fath (2/249). (4) One interpretation is that the phrase is a plea for God’s protection and safeguarding, for al-Salam (Peace) is one of His names; the intended sense is, “God is your guardian and guarantor,” just as one says, “God be with you,” meaning with His preservation, help, and kindness. (*) This meaning was preferred by the Shaykh (may God have mercy on him) in the printed edition of al-Sifah.