Is it recommended to add anything to the established *Tashahhud* or to prolong it?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is not recommended to add to this *Tashahhud* or to prolong it. This is the view held by Al-Nakh'i, Al-Thawri, and Ishaq. The rationale is based on the report that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would sit in the first two Rak'ah as if he were sitting on hot stones (*radf*) until he stood up, indicating lightness and brevity. This implies he did not prolong it or add anything beyond the established *Tashahhud*. Since the soundest versions of the *Tashahhud* do not contain the *Basmalah* (Bismillah) or other additions mentioned in differing reports, one should limit recitation to what is established. If one performs such additions, it is permissible as it remains a form of remembrance (*Dhikr*).
Supporting text
There is a report from Al-Sha'bi and Al-Shafi'i that there is no harm in sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) within it. Umar narrated that he would say, 'In the name of Allah, the best of names,' at the beginning. Ibn Umar also used to name Allah at the beginning and added, 'He alone, without partner.' Some scholars, including Ayyub, Yahya ibn Sa'id, and Hisham, approved of Umar's statement regarding the *Basmalah*. Jabir narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the *Tashahhud* like a Surah, including: 'In the name of Allah, all compliments are for Allah...' and added, 'I ask Allah for Paradise and seek refuge in Allah from the Fire.' Malik stated that this is broad enough (permissible). However, Ibn Abbas rebuked someone who said 'Bismillah.' Malik, the people of Medina, Ibn Al-Mundhir, and Al-Shafi'i favor not saying *Bismillah*, as it was not reliably transmitted in the soundest narrations of the *Tashahhud*.