Short answer
Muslims turn their head to the right and then to the left at the end of prayer to offer peace to those nearby and acknowledge the angels said to record their deeds.
Key points
- The turn marks the end of the prayer ritual.
- It offers peace to people on both sides.
- It acknowledges the angels believed to record deeds.
- The phrase said is 'Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah'.
- It reconnects the worshipper with the world after prayer.
At the end of their prayer, Muslims turn their head to the right and then to the left to offer peace and mark the conclusion of their worship. This gesture includes saying, 'Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,' meaning 'Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.'
Symbolism of the gesture
This movement is more than a formality. Islamic belief holds that two angels accompany each person—one on the right recording good deeds, one on the left noting wrong actions. By turning to both sides, the worshipper acknowledges these unseen beings and shows awareness of divine accountability.
The act also extends peace beyond the self. It includes fellow worshippers and reflects Islam’s emphasis on harmony in community and personal conduct. After a moment of focused devotion, this turn gently returns the believer to the world, carrying the calm of prayer into daily life.
Frequently asked questions
What do Muslims say when they turn right and left in prayer?
They say, 'Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,' which means 'Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.' This is said once while turning right and once while turning left.
Is turning right and left part of every Muslim prayer?
Yes, it is part of the final sitting in each of the five daily prayers. It marks the formal end of the prayer and is considered an essential part of the ritual.
Do Muslims have to be facing a certain direction when they do this?
The prayer as a whole must be performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca. The final turns to right and left are small head movements that do not change the body’s direction.
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