"When we sat during the prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we used to say: 'Peace (salam) be upon Allah(SWT), peace be upon so-and-so and so-and-so.' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Do not say peace (salam) be upon Allah (SWT), for Allah (SWT) is As-Salam (the Source of peace; the One free from all faults). Rather say: At-tahiyyatu lillahi wasalawatu wat-tayibaat, as-salamu 'alaika ayah-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina a 'ala ibad illahis-salihin (All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah.) If you say that, it will be for every righteous slave in the heavens and on earth, "ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu (I bear witness that that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.) Then let him choose any supplication that he likes to say after that.'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1298
This narration from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) addresses a fundamental aspect of prayer etiquette and the proper formulation of tashahhud (the sitting testimony in prayer).
Correction of Improper Phrasing
The Companions initially offered salam (peace) upon Allah, which the Prophet (ﷺ) corrected, explaining that Allah Himself is As-Salam - the Source and Perfection of Peace. It is inappropriate to offer peace to the One who is the very Essence of peace.
Prescribed Tashahhud Formulation
The Prophet taught the complete tashahhud beginning with "At-tahiyyatu lillahi..." which encompasses all forms of reverence, worship, and pure speech being directed to Allah alone. This establishes the proper hierarchy of devotion.
Comprehensive Salam
The prescribed salam extends to the Prophet, the worshippers themselves, and all righteous servants of Allah in heavens and earth. This universal greeting fosters spiritual unity among believers across creation.
Testimony of Faith
The shahadah in prayer specifically mentions Muhammad as Allah's slave and messenger, emphasizing both his servitude and prophethood - a complete description of his status.
Personal Supplication
The prayer concludes with the freedom to choose any permissible supplication, demonstrating Allah's generosity in allowing personal requests after fulfilling the obligatory components of prayer.