Attahiyat - Tashahhud in Prayer

Attahiyat also known as tashahhud is an integral part of prayer that possesses essential teachings and principles of Islam. Attahiyat dua encapsulates Allah’s attributes, salutations to the beloved Prophet (SAW), and Muslim’s testimony of Tawheed and the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). The sincere recitation of Attahiyat Lillahi Wa Salawatu cultivates the sentiments of devotion, love, and obedience for Allah and His Messanger (SAW).

Attahiyat Meaning

The word Attahiyat (التَّحِيَّاتُ) is derived from the Arabic word Tahiyya (“تَحِيَّة ) which means salutations, greetings, or praises. Attahiyat meaning, in an Islamic context, represents the greetings and praises for Allah, accepting His sovereignty over everything.

Tashahhud Meaning

The word Tashahhud means testimony. Tashahhud Meaning in Islamic prayer is to give testimony of faith by reading Attahiyat full which contains the phrase for witness of faith.

Tashahhud in Prayer

Tashahhud in prayer refers to reciting At Tahiyyatu while sitting in salah after the second Rakat. It is recited once in two Rakat prayers and two times in four Rakat prayers. Raising the index finger during Tashahud is sunnah

Attahiyat Lillahi Wa Salawatu In Arabic

It is important to recite Attahiyat Lillahi Wa Salawatu in Arabic during salah. Muslims should memorize it in childhood before starting prayers.

أَلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلّٰهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، أَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، أَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلٰى عِبَادِ اللهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَّا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Transliteration Of Attahiyat

The transliteration of Attahiyat helps you read and memorize this phrase easily if are struggling with Arabic.

“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 Ilaha Ill-Allahu Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa Rasuluhu’’

Translation of Attahiyat

The translation of Attahiyat assists you to unearth the underlying message and importance of this sacred phrase.

‘’All compliments are for Allah and all prayers and all good things are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messanger.’’

Story Behind The Origin of  Ata Hiyat

There is an unauthentic popular story behind the origin of Ata Hiyat. The story claims Attahiyat to be a part of the conversation between Allah Almighty and Prophet Muhammad SAW during His journey of Miraj.

When the Prophet SAW met Allah, He said: Attahiyatu Lillahi Was Salawatu Wattayibatu" (All compliments, all prayer and worship are for Allah)

Allah replied to the Prophet PBUH: "Assalamu Alayka Ayuhannabiyyu Warahmatullahe Wabarkatuhu" (Peace be upon you, Oh Prophet and Allah's Mercy and Blessings).

Then Prophet SAW replied: "Assalamu Alaina Wa ala Ibadillahis Saliheen" (Peace be on us and on all good slaves of Allah)

When the angel listened to this conversation he said: "Ash'hadu alla Ilaha Illallahu Wa Ash'hadu Anna Muhammadun Abd'uhu Wa Rasooluh"

(I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His slave and Messenger).

It should be kept in mind that this story is not proven by the Hadith or any authentic source.

Hadith on The Tashahhud In Salah 

here is an authentic hadith that highlights the authenticity and importance of Tashahhud In Salah. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Masud R.A. narrates the Hadith Sahih Muslim 402;

“While observing prayer behind the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) 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”

In another Hadith Sunan an-Nasai 1278, Ibn Abbas R.A. reports that;

“The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to teach us the Tashahhud just as he used to teach us a surah from the Quran.”

Components of Attahiyat in Namaz (Prayer)

Believers read many important phrases while reciting Attahiyat in Namaz. Let’s elaborate on its components.

Praises to Allah

At Tahiyyatu Lillahi begins with praises to Allah. The phrase At Tahiyyatu lillahi Was-Salawatu Wat-Tayyibat translates that all forms of compliments, prayers, and pure words belong to Allah alone. It affirms that all verbal, physical, and spiritual acts of worship belong to Allah. Reciting this phrase is the recognition of the sovereignty of Allah and Muslims' submission to His will.

Salutations Upon Prophet (SAW)

The next segment As-Salamu Alaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu Wa RahmatAllahi Wa BaraktuhuAs-Salamu Alaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu Wa RahmatAllahi Wa Baraktuhu expresses love and respect for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by offering greetings and salutations. It highlights that the Prophet (PBUH) is the central figure of Islam and prayer is incomplete without paying obeisance to Him.

Obeisance to the Righteous Servants

Atta Hi Yatu also pays obeisance to the righteous servants of Allah. The phrase As Salamu Alaina Wa Ala Ibad illahis Salihin underscores the rank of the righteous servants of Allah. The righteous servants are those who worship Allah, have humility, are just, and spend on the right path from Allah’s provision. Muslim scholars have mentioned that it also includes Jinn and Angels.

Declaration of Faith

The last segment of Attahiyat Lillahi Ashahdu An la Ilaha Ill-Allahu Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa Rasuluhu’, is basically an Islamic declaration of faith and fundamental tenet of Islam.

Significance Of Attahiyat Dua

Attahiyat dua is an essential component of Islamic prayer. Without reciting Tashahhud in salat, the prayer is invalid. It acknowledges the supremacy of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw), reinforcing the concept of Tawheed and the seal of Prophethood (Khatm e Nabuwwat). 

It fortifies the bond between the creator and the creatures. Embracing the teaching of this sacred phrase unites the believers.

Benefits of Attahiyat Dua

Attahiyat dua, the integral component of prayer holds numerous benefits in essence. Regular reciter can feel the transformational impact of this phrase in their life.

Affirms Central Islamic Belief

Islam hinges on the central doctrine known as Shadah. Without reading Shahadh no one can enter the threshold of Islam. At Tahiyyatu incorporates Shadah-the foundational creed of Islam and emphasizes the concept of tawheed.

Honoring the Prophet (PBUH)

Offering salutations (Darood) upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is compulsory for all Muslims. Allah says in the Holy Quran;

Indeed, Allah showers His blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels pray for him. O  believers! Invoke Allah’s blessings upon him, and salute him with worthy greetings of peace. (33:56). 

Ata Hiyat incorporates the Darood pak. By reading it, Muslims align themselves with the teachings of the Quran and grab the virtue of offering Salawat.

Spiritual Connection

Prayer Tashahhud cultivates a deep spiritual connection with Allah. While reading it, the worshiper feels like they are accosting Allah directly, fostering humility and spiritual connection.

Peace and Tranquility

The phrases of Attahiyat full dua emphasize Assalamu which means peace. It is the reflection of Islam being a peaceful religion. The daily recitation of this sacred phrase instills in Muslims the value of peace and harmony.

Brotherhood

Islam discourages selfishness. Attahiyat Lillahi wa Salawatu encourages believers to pray not just for themselves but also for the righteous servants of Allah, negating the act of selfishness. This act fosters the concept of unity and brotherhood in Muslim ummah.

Conclusion

Attahiyat is a prayerful supplication that reinforces fundamental Islamic tenets. It harnesses readers with devotion, love, and empathy towards Allah, the Prophet SAW, and His creatures. Its recitation makes salah valid and fosters a connection with the creator. Embracing its message in the true sense promotes unity and peace among Muslims.