Ruling on saying: (Peace be upon the Prophet) in the tashahhud

Question:
When we reach the two testimonies, we say: "Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings," but I have heard people say: "You must say: Peace be upon the Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings." Which is correct? Or are both correct? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
The correct way is to say: "Peace be upon you, O Prophet" in both tashahhuds. This is how the authentic hadiths came regarding the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) teaching of the ummah; he taught the Companions this way.
It is narrated from some of the Companions that they used the second form—"Peace be upon the Prophet"—after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). However, this is permissible, and it was the ijtihad of some of the Companions, but it is not obligatory.
But if a person does it, it is valid. However, the fact that he uses the words the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught his ummah, knowing that he would die and not telling them: "When I die, change it," and knowing that they would be absent from the city and recite the prayer in distant lands, and not telling them: "If you are far away and absent, or after my death, change it."
This indicates that this wording remains: "Peace be upon you, O Prophet" in his lifetime, in his presence, in his absence, and after his death. This is the correct way, and this is what is established in the authentic hadiths from Ibn Mas'ud and others (may Allah be pleased with them all). Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.