They prayed with Abu Musa and he said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'When you are sitting then let the first words that any of you says be: 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 1173
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith transmitted by Abu Musa al-Ash'ari establishes the precise wording of the Tashahhud (testification) during prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed that these should be the first words spoken when sitting in prayer, indicating their paramount importance in validating the prayer's discourse.
Scholarly Commentary
The opening phrase "At-tahiyyatu lillahi" signifies all forms of glory, eternity, and sovereignty belong exclusively to Allah. "Was-salawatu" refers to all devotional acts and prayers, while "wat-tayyibat" encompasses all pure words and righteous deeds.
The salutation "As-salamu 'alaika ayyuhan-Nabiyyu" demonstrates the living connection with the Prophet (ﷺ) during prayer, as affirmed by classical scholars who note that angels convey these greetings to him. The extension of peace to righteous servants affirms the unity of the Muslim community across time and space.
The twin testimony of faith (Shahadatayn) forms the core of Islamic belief, meticulously placed within the prayer to constantly renew one's faith. The specification "Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluhu" emphasizes both the Prophet's servitude to Allah and his messengership, balancing honor with humility.
Juridical Significance
This narration provides the most complete version of the Tashahhud, making it preferred according to the majority of scholars. Its meticulous transmission through multiple chains indicates the Companions' careful preservation of the Prophet's exact teachings regarding prayer formulae.