Hadith 1552

Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray four rak'ahs before Asr, separating them with Tasleem (greetings) upon the close angels and those who followed them among the Muslims and believers. [Narrated by Tirmidhi] Tirmidhi said: "Ishaq ibn Ibrahim preferred not to separate the four rak'ahs before Asr and used this Hadith as evidence. He said: 'The meaning of his statement, "He separates them with Tasleem," refers to the Tashahhud (sitting for testimony).'" Al-Baghawi said: "The meaning of Tasleem here is the Tashahhud without the final Salam (salutation). It is called Tasleem upon those mentioned because it is a form of supplication for them." At-Tayyibi said: "This is supported by the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud: 'When we prayed, we would say: Peace be upon Allah before His servants, peace be upon Jibreel,' and this was during the Tashahhud."