Introduction to Attahiyat
The Attahiyat is one of the most integral parts of the Muslim prayer (Salah). Recited while seated, it is a moment of deep reflection and submission to Allah, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing reverence for His beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This portion of the Salah holds great significance as it encapsulates the essence of worship, praise, and supplication in a few profound words.
Meaning and Importance of Attahiyat
The word Attahiyat (التَّحِيَّاتُ) itself comes from the root word “تَحِيَّة” (Tahiyya), which means greetings, salutations, or praises. In the context of Salah, Attahiyat represents the greetings and praises directed towards Allah, acknowledging His supreme authority and expressing the servant’s humility.
In every unit of prayer, when a Muslim sits after completing the prostrations (Sujood), Attahiyat is recited. It signifies the transition from physical worship to verbal supplication, marking a pivotal moment in Salah where the worshiper engages in a dialogue with Allah.
This Text in Arabic
The Attahiyat is recited as follows in Arabic:
التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Transliteration:
At-tahiyyātu lillāhi, was-salawātu wat-tayyibāt. As-salāmu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alaynā wa ‘alā ‘ibādillāhiṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Ash-hadu allā ilāha illallāhu wa ash-hadu anna muḥammadan ‘abduhu wa rasūluh.
Translation:
All compliments, prayers, and pure words 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 deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
The Components of Attahiyat and Their Significance
- Praises to Allah (التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ):
This begins by acknowledging that all forms of greetings, prayers, and pure words belong to Allah alone. This is a declaration of the believer’s submission and recognition of Allah’s absolute sovereignty. The praises mentioned here include all verbal, physical, and spiritual acts of worship that are directed solely towards Allah. - Salutations to the Prophet (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ):
The next part of it is a greeting to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), expressing love and respect for him. This highlights the important position of the Prophet in Islam, as he is the final messenger and the best of creation, sent as a mercy to all mankind. The salutation is a way to connect the worshiper with the Prophet, even though he is not physically present. - Salutations to the Righteous Servants (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ):
This segment of Attahiyat extends the greeting of peace not only to the individual reciting it but also to all righteous servants of Allah. This collective greeting fosters a sense of unity among Muslims and underscores the importance of being part of the community of the pious. - Testimony of Faith (أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ):
The final part of Attahiyat is the testimony of faith, the Shahada. It is a reaffirmation of the core belief in Islam – the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). This declaration serves as a reminder of the fundamental tenets of the faith and reinforces the worshiper’s commitment to living according to these principles.
Attahiyat in the Context of Salah
In Salah, the recitation of Attahiyat occurs in a seated position after the second and final units of prayer. This posture, known as the Tashahhud, is a moment of reflection and introspection. During this time, the worshiper not only recites the words of Attahiyat but also contemplates their meanings, fostering a deeper connection with Allah.
The significance of Attahiyat in Salah cannot be overstated. It is a bridge between the physical acts of worship (such as bowing and prostration) and the verbal expressions of faith. The Attahiyat also serves as a precursor to the Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet) and the concluding supplications of the prayer, making it a central component of the overall worship experience.
The Origins of Attahiyat: A Hadith Reference
The Attahiyat holds a special place in Islamic tradition due to its origins. According to a narration in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the words of Attahiyat during the miraculous event of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj, where he was taken on a night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens.
During this journey, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was granted the unique opportunity to communicate directly with Allah. It was during this divine meeting that the Prophet (PBUH) was taught the words of Attahiyat, which he later instructed his followers to recite in their prayers.
This hadith underscores the divine origin of Attahiyat, emphasizing its importance in the lives of Muslims. The words were not just uttered by the Prophet (PBUH) but were divinely revealed, making them a crucial part of the prayer ritual.
The Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Attahiyat
- Strengthening the Connection with Allah:
Reciting Attahiyat serves as a reminder of the believer’s relationship with Allah. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a declaration of the worshiper’s devotion. This recitation helps in deepening the spiritual bond with the Creator, fostering a sense of peace and contentment. - Honoring the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
The salutation to the Prophet in Attahiyat reflects the high regard in which he is held by Muslims. By consistently sending peace and blessings upon him, believers align themselves with his teachings and seek his intercession on the Day of Judgment. - Promoting Unity Among Believers:
The inclusion of all righteous servants in the supplication promotes a sense of unity within the Muslim community. It encourages believers to pray not just for themselves but also for their fellow Muslims, reinforcing the importance of brotherhood and solidarity in Islam. - Reaffirmation of Faith:
The testimony of faith within Attahiyat serves as a daily reaffirmation of the core beliefs of Islam. By repeatedly declaring the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims strengthen their commitment to the faith and its principles.
Practical Tips for Reciting Attahiyat with Concentration
- Understanding the Meaning:
One of the key ways to enhance concentration during the recitation of Attahiyat is by understanding its meaning. Reflecting on the significance of each word can transform the recitation from a mere ritual into a deeply spiritual experience. - Visualizing the Prophet (PBUH):
While reciting the salutation to the Prophet, imagine being in his presence and directly addressing him. This visualization can increase the sincerity and focus of the recitation. - Pausing Between Phrases:
Instead of rushing through the recitation, take a moment to pause between each phrase. This practice can help in internalizing the words and reflecting on their meanings. - Making a Personal Du’a:
After completing the recitation of Attahiyat and before concluding the Salah, take a moment to make a personal supplication. This act of du’a can further enhance the spiritual connection and concentration during prayer.
Attahiyat and Its Role in Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
The recitation of Attahiyat is not just a routine part of Salah; it is a powerful tool for building a strong spiritual foundation. By regularly engaging with the words of Attahiyat, Muslims can cultivate a deeper sense of faith, humility, and devotion.
The emphasis on praising Allah, honoring the Prophet, and seeking
