"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the tashahhud just as he would teach us a surah of the Quran: 'Bismillah, wa billahi. 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. As'al Allahal-jannah wa author billahi min an-nar (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. I ask Allah for Paradise and I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire.)'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1281
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the tashahhud just as he would teach us a surah of the Quran: 'Bismillah, wa billahi. 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. As'al Allahal-jannah wa author billahi min an-nar'"
Scholarly Commentary
This narration demonstrates the profound importance the Prophet (ﷺ) placed upon the tashahhud, teaching it with the same meticulous care as Quranic revelation. The comparison to teaching a surah indicates its obligatory nature and precise wording.
The opening "Bismillah, wa billahi" signifies beginning with Allah's name and seeking divine assistance. "At-tahiyyatu lillahi" establishes that all forms of glory and permanence belong exclusively to Allah. "Wasalawatu wat-tayibaat" encompasses all prayers, invocations, and pure deeds.
The salutation upon the Prophet (ﷺ) acknowledges his living presence during revelation while establishing the perpetual obligation to send blessings upon him. The testimony of faith (shahadah) forms the core of Islamic belief, while the final supplication for Paradise and refuge from Hell demonstrates the worshipper's ultimate objectives in servitude to Allah.
Legal Rulings
Scholars consider learning the precise wording of tashahhud obligatory (wajib) based on this hadith's emphasis. The Hanafi school views minor errors as pardonable, while the Shafi'i school requires exact recitation. All schools agree the tashahhud is a fundamental pillar (rukn) of prayer whose omission invalidates it.
Spiritual Dimensions
This comprehensive tashahhud encapsulates the entire journey of worship: beginning with Allah's name, affirming His exclusive right to worship, honoring His Messenger, testifying to divine unity, and concluding with the ultimate purpose of creation - seeking Allah's pleasure and Paradise while seeking protection from His punishment.