"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us the tashahhud just as he taught us a surah from the Quran: "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 1171
The Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught us the tashahhud just as he taught us a surah from the Quran: '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.'"
Commentary on the Significance
This narration establishes the profound importance of the tashahhud in prayer. The Prophet's (ﷺ) comparison of teaching it to teaching a Qur'anic surah indicates its fundamental nature and the necessity of precision in its recitation, for it is the core supplication of the sitting position in the prayer.
Exegesis of the Phrases
"At-tahiyyatu lillahi...": All verbal glorifications, acts of worship, and good deeds are purely for Allah alone. This opening affirms Tawhid (Allah's Oneness).
"As-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu...": This is a direct address to the Prophet (ﷺ), a practice sanctioned in prayer, sending peace and blessings upon him.
"As-salamu 'alaina...": The believer prays for peace upon themselves and all righteous servants of Allah, fostering a sense of universal brotherhood in faith.
"Ashhadu an la illaha ill-Allah...": The testimony of faith, the foundation of Islam, is reiterated here, affirming Allah's exclusive right to worship.
"Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu": This perfectly complements the first testimony, acknowledging the Prophet's status as a slave and Messenger, a model of perfect submission.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The consensus of the scholars is that the recitation of the tashahhud is a pillar (rukn) of the prayer. Its omission invalidates the prayer, based on the command and meticulous teaching of the Prophet (ﷺ) as shown in this hadith.