Why We End Salah with Peace: The Meaning Behind “As-Salaamu Alaikum”

Spirituality and Life

From “As-Salaamu Alaikum” to “As-Salaamu Alayna”: The Gentle Yet Powerful Ending of Salah

Jul 03, 2025 23 Views

At the end of every prayer, we turn our heads to the right and left, saying, “As-salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” It may feel like a routine phrase, something we say countless times a day—but hidden within it is one of the most beautiful conclusions of our connection with Allah.

“Salaam” means peace. And unlike many spiritual traditions that conclude prayers with a word like “Amen,” Muslims end with a blessing—a wish of peace sent outward. It’s not a declaration of completion; it’s a gentle offering to those around you. Whether you’re praying alone or in congregation, the greeting is directed not only to those nearby but to the angels, the unseen world, and the righteous servants of Allah.

This connects back to a moment earlier in Salah, during the Tashahhud, when we say: “As-salaamu alayna wa ‘ala ibadillah-is-saliheen”—“Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.” When you say Salam at the end, you are putting that intention into action. You are stepping out of your private audience with Allah and re-entering the world as a bearer of peace.

Many scholars encourage saying the final Salam with mindfulness—slowing down, feeling the words, and remembering what they signify. This moment is not an ending, but a transition. You’ve just met your Lord. Now you return to the world with clarity, calmness, and intention.

Salah begins with “Allahu Akbar”, and ends with “As-salaamu alaikum”. It begins with exaltation, and concludes with peace. This flow mirrors a deep spiritual journey: withdrawing from the noise of the world to find closeness with Allah, then returning with a heart softened and steadied.

Let your Salam be more than a habit. Let it be a sincere wish—a gentle bridge between worship and daily life. Because true peace isn’t just said—it’s carried, shared, and lived.