The ruling on turning the head when concluding the prayer

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, here the imams follow him when concluding the prayer to end the prayer. He begins by saying, “As-salamu alaykum,” with his face facing forward, and he does not turn his head except when he says, “wa rahmat Allah.” Then he repeats that when concluding the prayer, as narrated by al-Nasa'i, such that he faces forward with his face and does not turn his head except when he says, “wa rahmat Allah.” Is this in hasan?

Answer:
Yes, there is nothing wrong with it. Turning the head is originally a recommended practice (sunnah); it is not obligatory. If he concludes the prayer and does not turn his head at all, or if he concludes the prayer twice and does not turn his head, his prayer is valid and the conclusion of the prayer is valid, because turning the head is a recommended practice (sunnah) and not obligatory. It is better for him to turn his head, as this is acting in accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). However, if he does not turn his head, his prayer is valid. It is also permissible for him to conclude the prayer while facing the qiblah and then turn his head at the end of the second conclusion. Yes.