If the Tasleem is a pillar of prayer, then why did the jurists differ on the Sunnah status of turning the head during it? And what is the evidence that diverted turning the head from being a pillar and obligatory? And is the saying, "Al-Salamu alayhim" (Peace be upon them), not invalidating of prayer according to the Shafi’is, given that it is a supplication for an absent party?
The majority of scholars hold that the salutation (taslim) is a pillar of prayer, while the Hanafis consider it an obligation. The Hanafis permit exiting the prayer by the salutation or by any action or word that contradicts the prayer.
The majority of scholars cite the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "The key to prayer is purification, its consecration is the takbir, and its desacralization is the taslim." As for turning the head during the salutation, it is a confirmed Sunnah from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Regarding the worshipper's saying "peace be upon them" with the intention of supplication or response, it does not invalidate the prayer, because it is not considered among the forbidden human speech in prayer; rather, it falls under the category of supplication, as explained by Al-Nawawi.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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