Salam (Ending the Prayer)

What Is Salam?

Salam is the final act of Salah. Sitting in the last Tashahhud position, the worshipper turns their head first to the right, saying "As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah," then turns to the left and repeats the same phrase.

What Does It Mean?

The phrase means "Peace and the mercy of Allah be upon you," extended as a greeting to the angels present, and to the fellow worshippers on either side if praying in congregation.

Salam Formally Ends the Prayer

Once Salam is completed, the prayer is formally concluded, and actions that were forbidden during Salah — such as speaking or moving freely — become permissible again. Many worshippers follow Salam with additional remembrance (dhikr) and supplications recommended after each prayer.