Tashahud: Atta'hiyatu in Salah

Tashahud Atta'hiyatu in Salah

We all know and recite Tashahud, Atta'hiyatu in salah(prayer, namaz), but have we ever wondered what it means, and more of the context of it - because every verse, every dua, every word of Allah has a context that is important to know; to understand the meaning and also to get an in-depth understanding.

Having in-depth knowledge of the verses not only helps increase their understanding but also in bringing humility and thus, connection.

Meaning, and background of Tashahud Atta'hiyatu in Salah.

Tashahhud (التَّشَهُّدَ) is an arabic word. Its literal meaning is 'testimony' or 'witness'.

It is also known as atta'hiyyatu (التَّحِيَّاتُ). The literal meaning of atta'hiyyatu is 'greeting' or 'salutation'.

When is Tashahud Atta'hiyatu in Salah recited?

It is recited when a person sits or kneels down during the second rakah of salah or the last rakah of the salah(prayer).

Khush in Salah is an important aspect for to enhance or better our prayer. To be present in the prayer. To have a connection with Allah. And, most people face issues of “concentration in prayer.” What helps most in bringing Khushu into prayer is understanding the meaning of every ayah or dua recited in the salah.

How to say Tashahud Atta'hiyatu in Salah?

Abdullah b. Zubair narrated on the authority of his father that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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 (middle) finger, and covered his knee with the palm of his left hand.

[Shahih Muslim 579b]

Atta’hiyat has a beautiful and wholesome background to it, and knowing that it brings so much contentment, peace, and concentration in prayer.

Background(context) of Atta'hiyatu

Attahiyat, meaning “greeting”, is a part of the conversation between Allah, and our beloved Prophet Muhammadﷺ on Hisﷺ journey of Al Isra Wal Miraj. This is how our Prophet Muhammadﷺ greeted Allah when Heﷺ first met Allah.

Greeting between Prophet Muhammadﷺ and Allahﷻ

When the Prophet Muhammadﷺ met Allah ﷻ, he didn't say “Asalam Alaikum”. We can’t say Asalam Alaikum(meaning peach be unto you) to Allah, because Allahﷻ is the source of all the peace. The peace is from Himﷻ for everything that exists.

So, the Prophet Muhammadﷺ said:

التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ، وَالصَّلَوْاتُ، وَالطَّيِّباتُ

Attahiyyaatu Lillahi Was Salawatu Wattayyibatu

All compliments, all prayers, and worship are for Allah

Allahﷻ replied:

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabiyyu 'Warahmatullahi Wabarka'tuhu

Peace be upon you, Oh Prophet, and Allah's Mercy and Blessings.

To this, Prophet Muhammadﷺ replied:

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللّٰهِ الصَّالِحِيْنَ

Assalamu Alaina Wa'ala'Ibadillahis Saa'liheen

Peace be on us and on all good slaves of Allah

The angels' response to the greeting

When the angels listened to this beautiful conversation between Allahﷻ and the Prophet Muhammadﷺ, the Angels said:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ

Ash'had'u'un La ilahaillallahu Wa Ash'hadu Anna Muhammadun Abd'uhu Wa Rasooluh

I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

SubhanAllah. Our human minds cannot comprehend the beauty of that moment. It is so wholesome even listening to it the love and fear overrun us. SubhanAllah.

The next time you say your Tashahud, focus your heart and mind on the meaning of what you are saying to keep your mind or heart wandering anywhere else.

The next time you sit down to say your Tashahud, keep the whole situation, that greatest moment when Muhammadﷺ met Allahﷻ in your mind, to keep all the worldly thoughts out while you are standing in front of your lord.

May Allah keep us steadfast on the path Heﷻ loves. May Allahﷻ bless us with Iman(faith) strong like a rock that when we stand in front of Himﷻ, we are overwhelmed with the love and fear of Allah. Ameen.