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Why is Attahiyat important in Salah? Meaning and Explanation

Why is Attahiyat important in Salah? Meaning and Explanation

The Attahiyat is one of the most important and frequently recited parts of the Muslim prayer, known as Salah. It is also called the Tashahhud and is recited while seated, usually in the second and final unit (rak’ah) of every prayer. This dua holds deep meaning and significance, as it is a conversation between Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Isra and Mi’raj (the night journey).

Attahiyat – Meaning and Explanation

This is the Shahada, the testimony of faith that is the foundation of Islam. Here is the explanation of Attahiyat in a table format for clarity:

Arabic TextTransliterationTranslationExplanation
ٱلتَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّٰهِ وَٱلصَّلَوَاتُ وَٱلطَّيِّبَاتُAttahiyat Lillahi Was Salawatu Wattayyibatu“All compliments, all prayers, and worship are for Allah.”Prophet Muhammad’s response, including himself and all believers, reflected his concern for unity.
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُAssalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabiyyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh“Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.”Allah’s response during Isra and Mi’raj, bestowing peace, mercy, and blessings on the Prophet.
ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَىٰ عِبَادِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلصَّالِحِينَAssalamu Alaina Wa’ala Ibadillahis Saa’liheen“Peace be upon us and on all the righteous slaves of Allah.”Prophet Muhammad’s response, including himself and all believers, reflecting his concern for unity.
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُAsh’hadu Alla Ilaha Illallahu Wa Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadan Abduhu Wa Rasooluh“I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”The angels’ testimony to the oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).

Significance of the Attahiyat in Salah

The Attahiyat is not just a simple dua; it is a representation of our connection to Allah and the Prophet (PBUH). It reminds us of the importance of praising Allah in every action and following the example of the Prophet. When we recite this dua in prayer, we are repeating words that were exchanged between Allah and His Messenger during a very special moment in Islamic history.

Hadiths Related to the Attahiyat

The Attahiyat is not only a part of prayer but is also transmitted through various authentic hadiths.

Hadith #1

Narrated by Ibn Mas`ud:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught me the Tashahhud as he taught me a Surah from the Quran. He said:

“All the best compliments and prayers and 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 Messenger.”

We used to recite this during the lifetime of the Prophet, but after his death, we would say “Peace be upon the Prophet.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 6265)

Hadith #2

Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud reported:

While observing prayer behind the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we used to say: Peace be upon Allah, peace be upon so and so. One day, the Prophet (PBUH) corrected us, saying:

“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 righteous servants.’ For when he says this, it reaches every righteous servant in the heavens and on earth.”

(Sahih Muslim 402)

Hadith #3

Abdullah bin Zubair narrated:

When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sat for the Tashahhud, he placed his right hand on his right thigh and his left hand on his left thigh. He pointed with his forefinger and placed his thumb on his middle finger.

(Sahih Muslim 579)

Hadith #4

Narrated Abdullah bin Malik bin Buhaina:

Once, Allah’s Messenger led us in the Zuhr prayer and stood up after the second rak’ah without sitting for the Tashahhud. At the end of the prayer, he made two prostrations (Sujood of forgetfulness).

(Sahih al-Bukhari 830)

Attahiyat as a Conversation with Allah

The conversation during Al Isra Wal Miraj gives Attahiyat special importance. When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met Allah, he praised Allah with these words, and Allah responded with a blessing of peace upon the Prophet. The Prophet then extended that peace to all believers, showing his mercy and concern for us. This divine exchange between Allah and the Prophet forms the core of this dua.

Attahiyat in Our Daily Prayers

The Attahiyat is recited in every Salah, making it an essential part of our daily worship. It is recited:

• In the second rak’ah of all prayers.

• In the final rak’ah when we sit for the last time.

While seated, we raise our right index finger when declaring the Shahada (“Ash’hadu Alla Ilaha Illallahu…”), signifying the oneness of Allah.

Conclusion: The Beauty and Importance of Attahiyat

The Attahiyat reminds us of our role as servants of Allah, constantly glorifying and praising Him. It also reflects the beautiful connection between Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and all of us as Muslims. This dua, repeated in every Salah, strengthens our bond with our Creator and helps us reflect on our purpose in life.

Reciting it with sincerity helps us gain Allah’s pleasure and be included in the righteous servants of Allah. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us the peace and blessings mentioned in this beautiful dua. Ameen

About Me I am Sameena Mohsin—a proud mother, blogger, nutritionist, and health coach. Being a Muslim, I believe it is my duty to share the beauty of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with authenticity and simplicity. My journey began in 2018, when I started blogging about Islamic topics. Together with my co-mate, Sania Sajid Kazi, we dedicated ourselves to writing content that highlights the Sunnah and is supported by authentic Hadith.

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