Title: Regarding the Tashahhud during Sala'h Question: I was wondering about the background and origin of the Tashahhud [1] component of Sala'h . How did it come to be part of the Sala'h ? In Sala'h, is Durud [2] also a dua [3] taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)? I have always assumed that it is, but then a convert sister asked me why the Prophet would be sending peace and blessings upon himself. I answered that he did so to set an example for the ummah . Please expand. Answer: As I had mentioned in a few of my earlier answers [4] to related questions, the Prophet (pbuh) determined and uniformly taught all his followers a few parts of sala'h . While other parts were left on the understanding and practice of the individuals. The supplications during the Tashahhud - the position of sitting after every two rak`ah or at the end of all the rak`ah to be offered - belong to the second category where the Prophet (pbuh) did not strictly determine and teach all the followers to recite some specific words. A close look at all the narratives shows that initially the Prophet (pbuh) did not even suggest any words for recitation during the Tashahhud . It was later when he heard some people commit mistakes in their supplications during the Tashahhud that the Prophet (pbuh) suggested a variety of words for recitation. Some people, while showing reverence to Allah, used to say: "Peace be on Allah", the Prophet (pbuh) corrected them and told them that it is not right to say peace be on Allah, as Allah is an embodiment of peace Himself. Then he suggested that if reverence is to be shown to Allah, it should be shown in some other words. It was at this time that the Prophet (pbuh) taught the words that we normally recite now, starting from " al-tahiyyatulillahiwassalawaatu " to witnessing the oneness of God and the prophethood of Mohammad (pbuh). Keeping the above explanation in perspective, it should be easy to understand that the position of Tashahhud during the prayers is, in fact, a recommended time for supplications. The words to be recited, while in this position, have not been fixed by the Prophet (pbuh). However, as an etiquette of praying, the Prophet (pbuh) has taught us that while praying to Allah for the fulfillment of our needs and desires, we should normally start with a show of gratitude and reverence toward Him and only after that should we pray for the things that we want to pray for. Moreover, the Prophet (pbuh) has also taught us that whenever we pray for ourselves and for the fulfillment of our needs, we should also pray for him. Durud Shareef is actually our prayer for the Prophet (pbuh). Now, if you take a look at the supplications during the Tashahhud , you shall see that they entail a show of reverence to Allah, a prayer for the Prophet (pbuh) and for ourselves and for all the good people and a declaration of our faith. After this, we may pray for anything, whatsoever. Thus, we start once again with a prayer for the Prophet (pbuh) - Durud Shareef - and then for ourselves. As far as your question regarding whether or not did the Prophet (pbuh) recite the words of the Durud Shareef during his Tashahhud is concerned, in my opinion, the Prophet (pbuh) never recited the Durud Shareef during his Tashahhud and did not even tell people to recite the Durud Shareef in any specific words during their Tashahhud . The Prophet (pbuh) only asked the people to pray for him during their Tashahhud . It is not necessary therefore to use any specific words of supplications or the Durud Shareef during the Tashahhud . If these supplications are offered in any other words than are normally used, it cannot be termed as incorrect. 7 th October 1999 [1] Generally used for the sitting posture at the end of every two rak'ahs during the Sala'h or for the supplications during this posture. [2] 'Durud' or 'Durood' is basically a Persian word, which means supplication. The word is generally used specifically for the supplications of the Muslims for the Prophet (pbuh). [3] That is, a supplication. [4] These responses may be seen in the section titled: " Method of Praying & Deviations " .