"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, is As-Salam the source of peace; the One free from all faults), so when any one of you sits (during the prayer), let him say: At-tahiyyatu lillahi wasalawatu wat-tayibaat, as-salamu 'alaika ayah-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina a 'ala ibad illahis-salihin, ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu. (All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)" Then after that, let him choose whatever words he wants."
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1279
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, is As-Salam the source of peace; the One free from all faults), so when any one of you sits (during the prayer), let him say: At-tahiyyatu lillahi wasalawatu wat-tayibaat, as-salamu 'alaika ayah-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina a 'ala ibad illahis-salihin, ashadu an la ilaha ill Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu. (All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)" Then after that, let him choose whatever words he wants."
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the proper manner of sitting in prayer and reciting the Tashahhud. The Prophet (ﷺ) begins by mentioning Allah's name As-Salam, indicating that all peace originates from Him alone.
The prescribed recitation contains profound meanings: "At-tahiyyatu" refers to all forms of glorification, "as-salawatu" means all prayers, and "at-tayyibaat" encompasses all righteous deeds - all belonging exclusively to Allah.
The salutation upon the Prophet demonstrates the living connection between the ummah and their Prophet even after his passing. The testimony of faith reaffirms the fundamental Islamic creed.
The permission to add personal supplications after the prescribed words shows Allah's mercy in allowing His servants to ask for their needs during this blessed position in prayer.
Legal Rulings
This Tashahhud is obligatory in every sitting during prayer where Tashahhud is required.
The wording is specifically prescribed and should be memorized and recited precisely as taught.
Additional supplications after the Tashahhud are recommended (mustahabb) and can include any permissible du'a from the Quran or Sunnah.