Question
What is the ruling on someone who says Salam with the intention to exit the prayer before completing it?
Answer
His prayer is invalidated if he intentionally says Salam. However, if the Salam is said out of forgetfulness, it does not invalidate the prayer because Salam is considered a form of remembrance. In the case of unintentional Salam, it is regarded as remembrance, while in the case of intentional Salam, it is considered speech. Refer to: Al-Bahr 2: 8-9, Fath Bab Al-Inayah 1: 301, and Radd Al-Muhtar 1: 414.