Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … The tashahhud narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud radi Allahu anhu is the one generally memorized by the common people. Readers should keep in mind that when this tashahhud was being taught to the people, the issue of reciting salutations (salat/darood) upon the Prophet in prayer had not yet arisen. Therefore, in these narrations, only the tashahhud and supplications are mentioned; clarification regarding the issue of salutations (darood) is coming ahead. At this point, it is also necessary to note that, just as the tashahhud is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud radi Allahu anhu, there are also ahadith of this tashahhud narrated from other Companions, whose wordings differ from this tashahhud. This variety itself is transmitted from the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, so whichever tashahhud is recited, it will suffice. It has already been established that in the first and middle tashahhud, the worshipper is permitted to make various and preferred supplications. The second point is that reciting salutations (darood) in this tashahhud is also correct. The evidence for this is the following hadith: Sayyidah Aisha radi Allahu anha says that the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would perform nine units (rak‘at) of witr prayer at night; after continuously performing eight rak‘at, he would sit for the (middle tashahhud), praise Allah, and send salutations upon the Prophet, and without saying the salam, he would stand up and perform the ninth rak‘ah. After sitting, he would praise Allah, send salutations upon the Prophet, supplicate, and then say the salam. (Nasa’i: 1721)