Tashahhud in Salah: Understanding the Testimony of Faith
Tashahhud in salah is an important act, it is recited during prayers to praise Allah and to send blessings upon the prophet.
Even though it is a short dua it is filled with many virtues and blessings. It is a testimony of faith and it encompasses the core beliefs of Islam. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Tashahhud in salah, its significance, how to recite it correctly, and more, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Tashahhud in Salah? A Detailed Explanation.
Tashahhud in salah or Al-Tahiyyat is a main part of every prayer. It is recited twice in the four Rakat prayers (Duhr, Asr, Isha) and three Rakat prayers (Maghrib), and once in the two Rakat prayers (Fajr). When reciting the words of Tashahhud we testify the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The word Tashahhud is derived from the Arabic root “sh-h-d,” which means “to bear witness.” Our beloved prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Taught us its words and how to recite them correctly.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet taught me the Tashahhud as he taught me a Surah from the Qur’an.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
The Importance of Tashahhud in Every Prayer
The Tashahhud in salah is an essential part that carries many blessings and virtues to us. Here are some of the reasons why Tashahhud is important in prayers:
1. Acknowledgment of Allah’s Sovereignty
When reciting the Tashahhud in salah we testify the greatness of Allah and his supreme powers:
“At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu”
(All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah.)
It is a testimony that the only creator is Allah Almighty and that he is the only god to be worshipped and glorified.
2. Tashahhud in salah and Tawheed.
When reciting the Tashahhud in salah we say:
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh”
(I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.)
Which is a testimony that there is only one God and he is Allah. This is called a Shahada (testimony of faith), and it is an affirmation of the Muslims’ belief. Additionally, it acknowledges the prophethood of prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
3. Sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet:
When reciting the Tashahhud in salah we say:
“As-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh.”
(Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.)
By reciting those words we send peace upon the prophet and show our love and respect to him.
4. Praying for the Righteous
In the following part of Tashahhud in salah, we pray for the believers:
“As-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn.”
(Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.)
5. Tashahhud in salah: A Daily Renewal of Faith
When reciting Tashahhud in salah we renew our faith, strengthen our faith and foster a stronger connection with Allah. reminding ourselves of the main purpose of our existence and that life is just a test.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “When you sit in the final Tashahhud, say: ‘All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah…’ until you finish the Tashahhud. Then choose any supplication you like and ask (Allah).” (Sahih Muslim)
How to Recite the Tashahhud in Salah Correctly
To recite Tashahhud in salah correctly, you need to understand its words and memorize them. If you still can’t memorize the Tashahhud or can’t pronounce it right, it’s okay. Take time out of your day to practice. Listen to its correct recitation from a famous scholar or your favorite reciter and repeat along.
Additionally, write it on a paper and keep it with you. whenever you have free time practice reading it, and if you have a friend or a family member ask for their help. This way you will perfect the recitation of Tashahhud in no time.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to recite Tashahhud in salah correctly:
1. Sit for the Tashahhud
The first step is sitting for the recitation of the Tashahhud in salah, whether in the second or final Rakah There is a proper sitting when it comes to offering Tashahhud in salah and it is called Tawarruk or Iftirash. Then place your hands on your thighs while extending your fingers. You also need to understand the Tashahhud meaning so that you can easily reflect on its words and focus when reciting them.
2. Recite the Tashahhud
The second step is reciting the text of the Tashahhud in salah. In the four or three Rakat prayers you should recite the first Tashahhud as follows:
Arabic:
اَلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.
Transliteration:
At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu, as-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh, as-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn. Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.
Translation:
All greetings, prayers, and good words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
While in the last Rakah or in the two Rakat prayers you should recite the full Tashahhud in salah as follows:
Tashahhud in Arabic
اَلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
Tashahhud Transliteration:
At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu. As-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn.
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid.
Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid.
Tashahhud in English
All greetings, prayers, and good words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
3. Using the Index Finger During Tashahhud in Salah
When reciting the Tashahhud in Salah you should move the index finger of your right hand. Furthermore, when reciting the following part of the Tashahhud you should raise the index finger of your right hand and keep it still:
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh”
4. Concluding the Tashahhud and Tasleem
The final step when reciting Tashahhud in Salah is to conclude with Tasleem by turning your head to the right and saying:
“As-salaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah”
And then to the left and repeat it.
The Spiritual Significance of the Testimony of Faith
The spiritual significance of the testimony of Faith or the Tashahhud in Salah falls in declaring the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Tashahhud shows our complete submission to Allah and acknowledgment of his oneness (Tawheed). This leads to renewing our faith, and deepening our connection with Allah Almighty, reminding us of our duty as Muslims to Worship Allah and obey him.
Understanding the Words of Tashahhud in Salah
Understanding the Tashahhud in Salah and its words is essential for better recitation and reflection on its words. When reciting the First Tashahhud we say:
اَلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.
At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu, as-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh, as-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn. Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.
Translation and Explanation
1. “At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu”
This phrase means: All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah.
When reciting this part of Tashahhud in Salah we acknowledge the oneness of Allah and that he is the only god to be worshipped.
2. “As-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh”
This phrase means: Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. When reciting this phrase during Tashahhud in Salah we are sending peace and blessings upon our beloved prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), which shows our love and devotion.
3. “As-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn”
This means: Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. in this part of Tashahhud in Salah, we offer dua for all the believers.
4. “Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh”
This part means: I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah. it is a declaration of faith and the oneness of Allah Almighty.
5. “Wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh”
This part of the Tashahhud in Salah means: And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. It is a declaration of the prophethood of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
What is the final Tashahhud in Salah?
The Full Tashahhud in Salah of the final Tashahhud is recited as follows:
Arabic:
اَلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
Transliteration:
At-tahiyyātu lillāhi was-salawātu wat-tayyibātu. As-salāmu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alainā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhis-sālihīn.
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.
Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid.
Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid.
Translation:
All greetings, prayers, and good words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
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Conclusion
Tashahhud in Salah is an act of worship, devotion, and renewal of the Muslim faith. It encompasses an important pillar of the Islamic faith which is the shahada. When reciting its words we are affirming our faith and declaring that Allah is the only god to worship and that prophet Muhammad is a prophet sent by Allah.
Don’t hesitate and reach out to the qualified professionals at Ulum Al-Azhar for assistance in learning more about Tashahhud and its correct recitation. Book a free Consultation session and start learning!
FAQs
What to Do If you Miss the First Tashahhud?
If you miss the first Tashahhud stand up and continue your prayer normally, and at the end of the prayer right before the Tasleem offer Sujud As-Sahw.
Is Tashahhud mandatory in Salah?
There is a difference in opinion when it comes to that topic but the majority states that Tashahhud is not mandatory but a wajib.
Is Tashahhud a pillar of salah?
Tashahhud is not a pillar of Salah but it is a wajib according to the majority of scholars. but according to the Shafi’i school, it is a pillar of Salah and without it the prayer is invalid.
When to recite Tashahhud?
Tashahhud is recited in the second and third Rakat when praying Maghrib, the second and fourth Rakat when praying Duhr, Isha, or Asr, and the second Rakah when praying Fajr prayer.
Can I recite Tashahhud in prayer in English?
If you are unable to recite the Tashahhud in Arabic then it is okay to recite it in English until learning its recitation in Arabic.
