"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 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. A'sal Allahal-jannah wa a'udhu Billahi min an-nar (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. I ask Allah for Paradise and I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire).'
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1175
Textual Analysis
This comprehensive tashahhud contains the complete formula of testimony and supplication that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions with the same meticulous care as Quranic revelation, indicating its supreme importance in prayer.
Scholarly Commentary
"At-tahiyyatu lillah" signifies all expressions of glory and permanence belong exclusively to Allah, while "as-salawatu" refers to all forms of worship, and "at-tayyibat" denotes pure words and righteous deeds.
The salutation upon the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrates the proper etiquette of addressing Allah's Messenger, acknowledging his living status in the spiritual realm during prayer.
The testimony of faith (shahadah) within prayer reaffirms the fundamental Islamic creed, while the concluding supplication for Paradise and refuge from Hell reflects the ultimate purpose of worship.
Juridical Significance
This narration establishes the recommended wording for the final tashahhud in prayer, though scholars differ regarding its obligatory nature versus other authentic versions.
The inclusion of seeking refuge from Hell and asking for Paradise in the tashahhud is considered a recommended practice (mustahabb) according to the majority of scholars.