📿 Understanding AT-TAḤĪYĀT (التحيات): The Greeting of Devotion
Definition and Etymology: AT-TAḤĪYĀT (التحيات) translates to “the greetings” in English. It is an integral part of the Muslim prayer (Salat), recited during the Tashahhud after every two units (Rakah) of prayer. Linguistically, ’taḤīyāh’ is derived from the root word “ḥayy” (حَيّ), meaning “to live”, and signifies acts of homage, veneration, and salutations.
Background: The AT-TAḤĪYĀT comprises a specific set of supplications articulated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who taught his Companions this invocation during their prayers. It is recited while sitting on the knees, symbolizing deep humility and submission before Allah. The reciter acknowledges God’s dominion and seeks blessings for the Prophet Muhammad, extending du’a (prayers) to all righteous servants of Allah.
Cultural Differences and Similarities: In Islamic worship, rituals remain universally consistent across different cultures and regions. Therefore, the AT-TAḤĪYĀT is recited in Arabic globally, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers among Muslims. While cultural expressions might differ, such as styles of dress or mosque architecture, the core elements of the prayer, including the AT-TAḤĪYĀT, remain uniform.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Tashahhud (تشهد): Often used to refer to the entire sitting and supplication including AT-TAḤĪYĀT.
- Salat (صلاة): The ritual prayers performed by Muslims five times a day.
- Du’a (دعاء): General supplications seeking God’s mercy and help.
Antonyms:
- Neglect in prayer: Failing to perform the required acts of devotion.
- Disrespect: Opposite of the reverence shown in the AT-TAḤĪYĀT.
Exciting Facts:
- The AT-TAḤĪYĀT is recited in millions of homes and mosques simultaneously across the world, creating a constant wave of devotion and worship.
- This part of the prayer marks a communal bond among Muslims globally, emphasizing the unity and universal brotherhood in Islam.
Quotations:
- “The adorations (i.e. at-taḥīyātu) of the tongue are for God, and also of the body and of alms-giving.” — Mishkāt, iv., c. xvi.
- “Peace be upon us, and upon God’s righteous servants.” — AT-TAḤĪYĀT
References and Further Reading:
- Islam: Faith and Practice by Hasan M. El-Farsi
- The Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship by Imam al-Ghazali
- Fortress of the Muslim: Invocations from the Quran and Sunnah by Sa’id bin Ali bin Wahf Al-Qahtani
Quizzes:
May your journey through the Islamic lexicon deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith. Continue to seek knowledge, for as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
— Amina Al-Fahad, 2023
