(1) In Sahih al-Bukhari the word is vocalised with a fatḥa on the qaf and a sukūn on the letter baa, whereas some copies read it with a kasra on the qaf and a fatḥa on the baa. As Shaykh Ali al-Qari notes, the latter reading is corroborated by al-Bukhari’s alternative wording: “Peace be upon Allah from His servants.” (2) Al-Darimi adds the phrase: “Peace be upon Israfil.” I am, however, doubtful about the authenticity of this addition and fear it may not be soundly preserved. (3) Al-Ismaili, through the chain of Ali ibn Mushir, narrates: “so we would enumerate the angels.” Al-Siraj likewise transmits, via Muhammad ibn Fudayl from al-Aʿmash, the wording: “so we would count of the angels as many as Allah willed.” This is how it is cited in Fath al-Bari. (4) Shaykh Ali al-Qari comments: “The meaning of ‘peace be upon you’ is a supplication for protection from afflictions—that is, freedom from harm or punishment. Such a prayer is impermissible with regard to Allah, for Allah is al-Salam, the One who grants safety to His servants; how, then, can safety be invoked for Him when He is the One to whom all pleas are directed in every circumstance?” (5) This report is also from Ibn Masud and runs: “When we prayed with the Prophet, we would say …,” adding: “then he may choose whatever words of supplication he wishes.” A discussion of this addition will follow in the section on concluding the prayer, God willing (pp. 998–1000, 1002–1003).