"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us the tashahhud for prayer and the tashahhud for Al-Hajah. The tashahhud for prayer is: At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat, as-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu. As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibad illahis-salihin, ashahdu an la illaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu (Allah compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah (SWT) and his blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah (SWT). I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).' (to the end of the tashahhud)"
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1164
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith contains the complete formulation of the tashahhud as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself. The term "tashahhud" refers to the testimony of faith recited while sitting in prayer.
The opening phrase "At-tahiyyatu lillahi" establishes that all forms of glory, honor, and permanence belong exclusively to Allah. "Was-salawatu" refers to all prayers and invocations, while "wat-tayyibat" encompasses all pure words and righteous deeds.
Scholarly Commentary
The salutation upon the Prophet (ﷺ) - "as-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu" - demonstrates the proper etiquette of addressing Allah's Messenger even after his earthly departure, confirming that he remains alive in his grave in a manner known only to Allah.
The extension of peace to the righteous servants of Allah emphasizes the unity of the Muslim community across time and space, including angels, prophets, and pious believers.
The twin testimony of faith (shahadatayn) forms the core of Islamic creed, affirming Allah's exclusive right to worship and acknowledging Muhammad's perfect servitude and prophethood.
Legal Rulings
This tashahhud is obligatory in every prayer according to the majority of scholars, and its omission invalidates the prayer. The sitting position and specific recitations must be observed as transmitted from the Prophet (ﷺ).
The mention of "tashahhud for Al-Hajah" indicates that similar formulations may be used for specific needs outside of prescribed prayers, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Prophetic guidance.