Discussion by some students regarding the issue of the traveling imam saying the closing salam quietly after two rak'ahs.
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The Shaykh : I say this very frankly: it is possible, but bring the evidence.
The questioner : May Allah keep you safe. The evidence is that there is a generality in the texts, and we continue to follow within its orbit unless a specific text comes that takes us out of this generality. The generality of the texts is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when he said the closing salam, would say it in a way that the Companions could hear it. The imam who leads people, among whom are travelers and residents, also has people behind him who are travelers. So the imam must make these travelers hear it; otherwise, how would they know that he has said the closing salam?
The Shaykh : Now, your question, "How would they know?" is based on a premise, is it not?
The questioner : Yes, that is correct.
The Shaykh : So if the premise is correct, your question is valid; otherwise, it is not. Is that so?
The questioner : Please go ahead.
The Shaykh : And are you not occupied with me?!
It was mentioned previously. In my opinion, it falls under the category of unrestricted public interest. If we were to accept the generality you mentioned—and it is not actually accepted, because we do not have a general text stating that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would raise his voice with the salam in all prayers—rather, we establish this generality by gathering a set of texts. This set may give us this result, but this result, with this generality and comprehensiveness, is not accepted. And even assuming we accept it, the issue falls under the category of unrestricted public interest.
The questioner : May Allah keep you safe. The evidence is that there is a generality in the texts, and we continue to follow within its orbit unless a specific text comes that takes us out of this generality. The generality of the texts is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when he said the closing salam, would say it in a way that the Companions could hear it. The imam who leads people, among whom are travelers and residents, also has people behind him who are travelers. So the imam must make these travelers hear it; otherwise, how would they know that he has said the closing salam?
The Shaykh : Now, your question, "How would they know?" is based on a premise, is it not?
The questioner : Yes, that is correct.
The Shaykh : So if the premise is correct, your question is valid; otherwise, it is not. Is that so?
The questioner : Please go ahead.
The Shaykh : And are you not occupied with me?!
It was mentioned previously. In my opinion, it falls under the category of unrestricted public interest. If we were to accept the generality you mentioned—and it is not actually accepted, because we do not have a general text stating that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would raise his voice with the salam in all prayers—rather, we establish this generality by gathering a set of texts. This set may give us this result, but this result, with this generality and comprehensiveness, is not accepted. And even assuming we accept it, the issue falls under the category of unrestricted public interest.