Worship & Rituals
Tahiyyat
At-Taḥiyyāt
The at-Tahiyyat supplication recited in the sitting position of prayer, beginning 'At-tahiyyatu lillah…'. Taught by the Prophet ﷺ during the Night of Ascension (Miraj).
What is the Tahiyyat?
Tahiyyat (Arabic التحيات, "greetings") refers to the fixed supplication of the Tashahhud, recited in every sitting position of the prayer. Its opening — "At-tahiyyatu lillah, wa's-salawatu wa't-tayyibat…" — is understood as a spiritual dialogue between the Prophet ﷺ and Allah on the Night of Ascension (Miraj).
Text of the Tahiyyat
The most widely used narration (Ibn Mas'ud, in Bukhari 831):
At-tahiyyatu lillahi wa's-salawatu wa't-tayyibat. As-salamu 'alayka ayyuha'n-nabiyyu wa rahmatu-llahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadi-llahi's-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.
Meaning: "All greetings, prayers and good things are due to 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 god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger."
The Story of Its Meaning
Islamic tradition understands the Tahiyyat as an echo of a heavenly conversation. When the Prophet ﷺ ascended to Allah on the Night of Miraj, he greeted his Lord with the words At-tahiyyatu lillah… Allah responded with peace upon the Prophet, and the Prophet — in his humility — extended that peace to all righteous servants of Allah. The witnessing of Tawhid and Messengership completes the exchange.
Ruling
The recitation of the Tahiyyat in the middle and final sittings is required in all Sunni schools; opinions differ on whether it is a pillar (rukn) or an obligatory act (wajib). If omitted, sujud al-sahw is performed. In the final sitting, it is followed by Salawat (blessings on the Prophet ﷺ) and any personal du'a before the closing salam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other versions of the Tahiyyat?
Yes — the narrations of Ibn Abbas (used in the Shafi'i school) and Umar (used by some Malikis) are equally authentic. All are valid; the differences are minor wording variations, and the Prophet ﷺ approved multiple wordings.
Should the Tahiyyat be read silently or aloud?
It is read silently — even in the audible prayers (Fajr, Maghrib, Isha), the Tashahhud is a private supplication.
Etymology & origin
From Arabic "tahiyya" (greeting, salutation), plural "tahiyyat". The Tashahhud opens with "at-tahiyyatu lillah" — "all greetings belong to Allah alone" — hence its name.
References
- Quran:
- ["Al-Ahzab 33:56 — Send prayers upon him (Muhammad)"]
- Hadith:
- ["Bukhari 831 — Ibn Masud's narration of the Tashahhud","Muslim 402 — Ibn Abbas' narration","Nasai 1163 — Multiple wordings approved"]
Related terms
Jalsa
The seated position in prayer — between two prostrations, and during Tashahhud. A brief but essential moment for supplication and reflection.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (Night of Ascension)
The night, traditionally placed in Rajab, of the Prophet's Night Journey and ascension through the heavens, when the five daily prayers were ordained.
Salah (Islamic Prayer)
The second pillar of Islam: ritual worship performed five times daily, consisting of specific recitations, bowing and prostrations facing the Kaaba.
Salam (Closing)
The closing 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah' that ends the prayer — turning first to the right, then to the left. Exits the sacred state of ihram entered by Takbiratul Ihram.
Salawat (Durood — Blessings on the Prophet)
Invoking blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, as commanded in the Quran; each salawat brings tenfold mercy from God upon the one who recites it.
Tashahhud
The seated recitation in the middle and end of Salah testifying to Allah's oneness and Muhammad's ﷺ prophethood ("At-tahiyyatu lillah...").