Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When we used to pray behind the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), we would say: Peace be upon Allah before His servants, peace be upon Jibreel and Mika'il, peace be upon Israfil, peace be upon so-and-so and so-and-so. Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) turned towards us and said: "Allah Himself is As-Salam (the Source of Peace), (so why do you send peace upon Him?), when you sit in prayer (for Tashahhud), then say: «التحيات لله ........... إلى وعلی عباد الله الصالحين» meaning: 'All verbal and physical acts of worship (or all words of respect and glorification), all acts of worship (prayers, etc.), and all the best praises and charities are for Allah alone. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon all the righteous servants of Allah.' When you say this, your greeting will reach every righteous servant of Allah in the heavens and the earth, wherever they may be. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. Then after this, let him supplicate for whatever he wishes."