The Tashahhud, also known as at-Tahiyyat, is a vital part of Muslim prayer (Salah). It occurs when the worshiper kneels or sits facing the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). During this time, you glorify Allah, greet the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the righteous, and affirm the two testimonies of faith.
Tashahhud in Arabic Text
The Arabic text of Tashahhud is:
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ، وَالصَّلَواتُ، وَالطَّيِّباتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسولُهُ
Tashahhud Full Transliteration
The full transliteration of Attahiyat is as follows: Attahiyyaatu lillaahi wassalawaatu, wattayyibaatu, assalaamu ‘alayka ‘ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu, assalaamu ‘alaynaa wa ‘alaa ‘ibaadillaahis-saaliheen. ‘Ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wa ‘ash-hadu ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
Tashahhud Meaning In English
The meaning of Attahiyat in English is: All greetings of humility are for Allah, and all prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.
Hadiths on Attahiyat Lillahi
Hadith #1
Narrated Ibn Mas`ud: Allah’s Messenger SAW taught me the Tashahhud as he taught me a Surah from the Qur’an, while my hand was between his hands.
(Tashahhud was) all the best compliments and the prayers and the good things are for Allah. Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be on you, O Prophet! Peace be on us and on the pious slaves of Allah, I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and I also testify that Muhammad is Allah’s slave and His Apostle. (We used to recite this in the prayer) during the lifetime of the Prophet (SAW), but when he had died, we used to say, “Peace be upon the Prophet.”
Reference Sahih al-Bukhari 6265
Hadith #2
Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud said: While observing prayer behind the Messenger of Allah SAW we used to recite: Peace be upon Allah, peace be upon so and so.
One day the Messenger of Allah SAW said to us: Verily Allah is Himself Peace. When any one of you sits during the prayer, he should say:
All services rendered by words, by acts of worship, and all good things are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon Allah’s upright servants, for when he says this it reaches every upright servant in the heavens and the earth. (And say further): I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. Then he may choose any supplication which pleases him and offer it.
Reference Sahih Muslim 402
Hadith #3
Abdullah bin Zubair narrated on the authority of his father that when the Messenger of Allah SAW sat for supplication, i. e. tashahhud (blessing and supplication), he placed his right hand on his right thigh and his left hand on his left thigh, and pointed with his forefinger, and placed his thumb on his (milddle) finger, and covered his knee with the palm of his left hand.
Sahih Muslim 579
Hadith #4
Narrated Abdullah bin Malik bin Buhaina: Once Allah’s Messenger led us in the Zuhr prayer and got up (after the prostrations of the second rak`a) although he should have sat (for the Tashahhud). So at the end of the prayer, he prostrated twice while sitting (prostrations of Sahu).
Sahih al-Bukhari 830
The Importance of Tashahhud
- Connection with Allah: Tashahhud allows you to express your faith and devotion directly to Allah. It’s a moment for reflection and sincerity.
- Greeting the Prophet: By greeting the Prophet and the righteous, you acknowledge their significance in guiding us and seek their intercession.
- Affirming Beliefs: The recitation of the testimonies of faith reinforces your beliefs, reminding you of the core tenets of Islam.
After the Tashahhud, Muslims invoke blessings and peace upon the Prophet through Salatul Ibrahimiyyah (or Darood Ibrahim). This practice not only honors the Prophet but also enhances your prayer experience by connecting you to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
When is Tashahhud Required?
- Final Tashahhud: This is essential in every prayer. It is a fundamental pillar in the last rak’ah of prayers with two, three, or four rak’ahs.
- Initial Tashahhud: This is obligatory during the first sitting of prayers that consist of three or four rak’ahs.
How to Recite Tashahhud Correctly
- Focus on Wording: It’s important to adhere strictly to the prescribed wording of the Tashahhud. This maintains the authenticity and integrity of your prayer.
- Practice the Phrases: Regularly practice the Tashahhud phrases to ensure fluency and sincerity during prayer. You can write them down and recite them in your daily routine.
- Mindful Recitation: During prayer, take your time to reflect on the meanings of each phrase. This enhances your spiritual experience and connection with Allah.
Additional Supplications (Du’a)
After completing the Tashahhud, you may recite additional supplications (du’a) before concluding your prayer. Here are a few suggestions:
- Personal Requests: Speak to Allah about your needs, desires, and the well-being of your loved ones.
- General Prayers: Recite well-known supplications, such as:
- “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina adhab an-nar.” (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.)
- Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for the blessings in your life.
Conclusion
The Tashahhud is more than just a formality; it’s an essential part of your connection to Allah and the Prophet. By understanding its significance and following the correct practices, you can enhance your prayer experience. Remember to recite the phrases with sincerity and engage in meaningful supplications after Tashahhud to deepen your relationship with Allah.