Ruling on Reciting Durood in the First Tashahhud
Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
Question
In the first tashahhud of a three- or four-unit prayer, should the worshipper recite only the tashahhud or may they also recite Durood Sharif?
Preferred Practice
- In the first tashahhud, the better practice is to recite only the words of al-Taḥiyyāt as narrated in authentic ahadith:
«التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ… وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ»
(Bukhari 831, Muslim 402)
Ruling on Adding Durood
- Best: Restrict yourself to the tashahhud in the first sitting.
- Permissible: If someone also recites Durood Sharif at this point, there is no prohibition.
Example of the Durood:
«اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَی مُحَمَّدٍ… إِنَّکَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ»
(Bukhari 3370, Muslim 405)
Scholarly Opinions
- Some scholars regard reciting Durood in the first tashahhud as mustahabb (recommended).
- The stronger view: Limiting oneself to the tashahhud is more in line with the Sunnah.
- However, if the imam prolongs the sitting, then reciting Durood is even better.
Conclusion:
In the first tashahhud, reciting only the tashahhud is preferable, but adding Durood Sharif is permissible and without blame, especially if there is a long pause.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
