The Prophet (ﷺ) said in the tashahhud: "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)."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together) - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1170
Textual Analysis
This sacred formulation, known as At-Tashahhud, constitutes the essential testimony recited while seated during prayer. The opening phrase "At-tahiyyatu lillahi" establishes that all forms of honor, permanence, and sovereignty belong exclusively to Allah. "Was-salawatu" refers to all devotional acts and supplications, while "wat-tayyibat" encompasses every pure word and righteous deed.
Scholarly Commentary
The salutation "as-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu" demonstrates the living connection between the believer and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during prayer, affirming that he receives our greetings through Allah's divine arrangement. The inclusion of "rahmatAllahi wa baraktuhu" seeks the comprehensive blessings and mercy of Allah upon Allah's Messenger.
"As-salamu 'alaina" reflects the Muslim's prayer for security from all evils in this life and the next, while "wa 'ala 'ibad illahis-salihin" expresses the universal brotherhood of faith encompassing all righteous servants of Allah across time and space.
Testimony of Faith
The twin testimony "ashahdu an la illaha ill-Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu" constitutes the core of Islamic belief. The first part affirms Allah's absolute oneness in divinity and worship, while the second acknowledges Prophet Muhammad's perfect servitude and prophethood - establishing the complete relationship between Creator and creation.