The Tashahhud in Sala'h... I was wondering about the background and origin of the Tashahhud component of Sala'h. How did it come to be part of the Sala'h? In Sala'h, is Durud Sharif a dua 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. Jazakallah khair, Rabeea Janjua, USA Reply As I had mentioned in one of my earlier answers to a related question, 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 individuals. The supplications during the Tashahhud - the position of sitting after every two rak'at or at the end of all the rak'at to be offered - belong to the second category where the Prophet (pbuh) did not 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 the words that are recited now. 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 prophet hood of Mohammad. Keeping the above explanation in perspective, it should be easy to understand that Tashahhud is the time of supplications. There are no fixed words that were taught by the Prophet (pbuh). However, the Prophet (pbuh) has taught us that while praying to Allah, we should start with a show of gratitude and reverence and then 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 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 it entails 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. Now we may pray for anything. 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 them 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 any other words are used, it cannot be termed as incorrect. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of your question remains unanswered or inadequately answered, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May Allah guide us all to the path of His liking and grant us the true understanding of His book. Regards The Learner