The Essence of 'At-Tahiyyat'

In the sitting position (Qa'dah) of two- or four-unit (rak‘ah) prayers, we recite 'At-Tahiyyat', which in Arabic is called Tashahhud. Tashahhud is a very important supplication that must be recited during every sitting of the prayer. Tashahhud or At-Tahiyyat is a dialogue between Almighty Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which took place on the night of Mi‘raj (the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens).

It is necessary to understand the meaning and essence of this supplication that we recite during prayer.

Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When we used to pray behind the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we would say: ‘Peace be upon Jibreel, Mikail, and so-and-so.’ Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) looked at us and said, ‘Allah Himself is As-Salam (The Source of Peace), so when any of you prays, let him recite the Tashahhud. For when you recite this supplication, it reaches all of Allah's righteous servants in the heavens and the earth.’ Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘After that, the servant may ask whatever he likes from Allah.’”

(Bukhari: 402; Muslim: 6265)

Tashahhud

Pronunciation:

At-tahiyyātu lillāhi waṣ-ṣalawātu waṭ-ṭayyibāt. As-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhiṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Ashhadu allā ilāha illallāh wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.

Meaning:

All verbal, physical, and financial acts of worship are for Allah alone. O Prophet, may peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah descend upon you. Peace be upon us and upon all of Allah’s righteous servants. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and His messenger.

(Bukhari, Hadith: 6265)

Method of Reciting Tashahhud

When the worshipper testifies verbally to the oneness of Allah during prayer, their finger should also testify along with it. So, when reciting up to “Ashhadu allā ilāha,” one should form a circle by joining the thumb and the middle finger and point with the index (fore) finger. The ring and little fingers should remain touching the palm. After saying “illallāh,” the index finger should be lowered. After finishing the gesture (isharah), the finger should not be moved again. However, the rest of the fingers will remain in their position until the end of the prayer.

(Sahih Muslim: 1336–1337; Sahih Ibn Hibban: 5/270; Sunan an-Nasa'i al-Kubra: 1/193; Abu Dawood: 989)