Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … This hadith is weak. In the previous ahadith, it has already been detailed that in the middle tashahhud, sufficing with “abduhu wa rasuluhu” is also correct, and adding the preferred supplications and salutations (durood) is also permissible.

Method of sitting in tashahhud:
In the middle tashahhud, keep the right foot upright and spread the left foot, sitting upon it. The noble ahadith in which there is a general mention of sitting in tashahhud in this manner should be understood as referring to the first tashahhud, because the ahadith regarding tawarruk are restricted (muqayyad). In the final tashahhud, perform tawarruk.

Explanation of Tawarruk:
There are two forms of tawarruk: the sunnah form and the permissible form. In the final tashahhud, the worshipper sits on his buttocks in such a way that the right foot is upright and its toes are facing the qiblah, and the left foot is extended out from under the right shin towards the right side. The impermissible form of tawarruk: standing in prayer and placing both hands level with both hips—this is prohibited. The first form is sunnah, and its evidences are as follows:

(1) Muhammad bin ‘Ata’ says: Sayyiduna Abu Humayd As-Sa‘idi radi Allahu anhu was present among ten companions of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, among whom was Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah bin Rabi‘i radi Allahu anhu. Sayyiduna Abu Humayd radi Allahu anhu said: “I know the prayer of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam better than all of you.” But they said: “You are neither older in companionship than us nor do you follow him more closely than us.” So he said: “Why not, (what you say is correct).” In any case, they said: “Alright, describe it.” Sayyiduna Abu Humayd As-Sa‘idi radi Allahu anhu said: “When he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would stand up … … when it was the last rak‘ah in which the prayer would end, he would extend his left foot (from underneath to the right side) and sit on his buttocks in the state of tawarruk, then he would give salam.” (Sahih Bukhari: 828; Abu Dawud: 730, 963; Ibn Majah: 862; Tirmidhi: 304; Nasa’i: 2/187) This hadith has already been mentioned at the end of the first chapter of “Abwab Sifat as-Salah” (Etiquettes of the Method of Prayer).

(2) It is narrated from Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Zubair radi Allahu anhu that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would sit in prayer, he would place his left foot between the thigh and shin, and spread out the right foot. (Sahih Muslim: 579)

(3) Chapter: What has been narrated regarding sending salutations upon the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam after the final tashahhud, and likewise upon his family.

Sending salutations upon the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and his family after the final tashahhud

Note: Readers are requested to note that various wordings and forms of salutations (durood) have been transmitted from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Since it is difficult for the common person to memorize all of them, it is sufficient to memorize at least one concise form, so that in case of haste, one may rely upon it.