We used to say the greeting, name and greet each other in the prayer. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) heard it and said:--"Say, 'at-tahiyyatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-taiyibatu . Assalamu 'Alaika aiyuha-n-Nabiyu warahmatu- l-lahi wa-barakatuhu. _ Assalamu alaina wa-'ala 'ibadi-l-lahi as-salihin.. Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-l-lah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan `Abdu hu wa Rasuluh. (All the compliments are for Allah and all the prayers and all the good things (are for Allah). Peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings (are on you). And peace be on us and on the good (pious) worshipers of Allah. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Apostle.) So, when you have said this, then you have surely sent the greetings to every good (pious) worshipper of Allah, whether he be in the Heaven or on the Earth . "
Actions while Praying
Sahih al-Bukhari 1202
Tashahhud Commentary
This narration establishes the proper form of the Tashahhud (testification) in prayer. The Companions initially used informal greetings, but the Prophet (ﷺ) taught them this specific formulation to elevate their worship.
"At-tahiyyatu lillah" signifies that all acts of reverence, permanence, and existence belong solely to Allah. "As-salawatu" refers to all prescribed prayers, while "at-tayyibat" encompasses all pure deeds and words.
The salutation upon the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrates proper etiquette when addressing Allah's Messenger, even in his absence. The comprehensive peace upon righteous worshippers encompasses all believers - celestial and terrestrial, living and deceased.
The twin testimony of faith (shahadatayn) forms the core of Islamic belief, affirming Allah's exclusive right to worship and recognizing Muhammad's servitude and prophethood.
Legal Rulings
This hadith proves the Tashahhud's obligatory nature in every two rak'ahs of prayer. Its precise wording is sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition).
The comprehensive greeting demonstrates Islam's universal brotherhood, connecting worshippers with all righteous servants across time and space.
Scholars derive from this that the minimum Tashahhud must include the testimony of faith, while the complete form is superior.