Tashahhud: greetings and testimony

The testimony offers greetings, prayers and good things to Allah; peace, mercy and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ; and peace upon us and Allah’s righteous servants. It then bears witness that Allah alone deserves worship and that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger.

Notice that your request for peace includes others rather than only yourself. The testimony renews the foundation of faith: worship belongs to Allah, and His Messenger is followed as a servant sent by Him.

There are established variations in the wording. Use the version taught in your school, and study its meanings in sections. The sitting posture and finger indication also have recognized school differences.