When we prayed with the Prophet (ﷺ) we used to say: As-Salam be on Allah from His worshipers, As- Salam be on Gabriel, As-Salam be on Michael, As-Salam be on so-and-so. When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished his prayer, he faced us and said, "Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), so when one sits in the prayer, one should say, 'at-Tahiyatu-li l-lahi Was-Salawatu, Wat-Taiyibatu, As-Salamu 'Alaika aiyuhan- Nabiyyu wa Rah-matul-iahi wa Barakatuhu, As-Salamu 'Alaina wa 'ala 'Ibadillahi assalihin, for if he says so, then it will be for all the pious slave of Allah in the Heavens and the Earth. (Then he should say), 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illalllahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `Abduhu wa rasulu-hu,' and then he can choose whatever speech (i.e. invocation) he wishes " (See Hadith No. 797, Vol. 1).
Tafsir of the Tashahhud in Prayer
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6230 reveals the Prophetic correction regarding the proper manner of sending salutations during prayer. The Companions initially extended peace to specific angels and individuals, but the Messenger of Allah ﷺ guided them to the comprehensive formula known as Tashahhud.
The Divine Attribute of As-Salam
The Prophet's ﷺ statement "Allah Himself is As-Salam" establishes that perfect peace originates from Allah alone. This divine name signifies His perfection, freedom from all defects, and His being the source of all peace and security for creation.
When we say "At-tahiyyatu lillah" (All compliments are due to Allah), we acknowledge that all forms of reverence, worship, and pure speech rightfully belong to Allah alone, affirming His exclusive right to divinity.
Comprehensive Salutations to the Righteous
The phrase "As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibadillah-is-salihin" encompasses all righteous servants in heavens and earth. This universal salutation fulfills the believers' duty to pray for one another and maintains spiritual connection throughout the Muslim community, both visible and unseen.
The Testimony of Faith
The Shahadah in prayer reaffirms our covenant with Allah, bearing witness to His Oneness and Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood. This testimony serves as the foundation upon which all acts of worship are built and accepted.
Freedom in Supplication
The Prophet's ﷺ instruction that "then he can choose whatever speech he wishes" demonstrates Allah's generosity in allowing believers to personally supplicate after fulfilling the obligatory portions of prayer. This reflects the intimate conversation between servant and Creator.