Najafi Q&A: Testification (Tashahud)

Answer

In the name of Allah, it was not proven by a reliable report or a reliable hadith book that any of the infallibles (PBUT) uttered the testimony of Ali Ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) during the prayer in the tashahhud. It was mentioned only in the book of Al-Fiqh Al-Radhawi [Al-Radhawi Jurisprudence], which is, as it is known, that this book is the dictation of Imam Al-Ridha (PBUH). However, this is a notorious misconception, for there are things in the book that a Shiite does not say at all. For example, he says that it is permissible to perform ablution by washing the feet. This would never be said by any Shiite. After investigation, it has been proven that this book was written by Al-Shalmagani in the era of the minor occultation, and Imam Al-Hujjah (may Allah hasten his reappearance) cursed him according to what was narrated in his letters. This man is the one who mentioned the mandate of this testimony to the prayer as a way of proving his loyalty to Ahlulbait (PBUT) . We have reiterated that it is permissible for the one to testify the guardianship of Imam Ali (PBUH) and all the imams (PBUT) under the title of supplication within the qunut part, the prostration and kneeling parts by saying, “O God, I believe in these … mentioning the names of the pure Imams (PBUT), and I beg You, through them, to fulfill my need." This was not proven in the Tashahud part. Adding anything to the prayer without a valid divine text is considered a forbidden legislation and invalidates the prayer. Some tried to stick to narrations that lacked the authenticity of the chain of narrators, the content of which is that I am commanded to bear witness to the monotheism of Allah, the prophethood of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and the authority of Ali (PBUH). However, these narrations, even if their chain of transmission is valid - supposedly - are not contained in explaining the parts of prayer, but rather they are mentioned in an explanation of what a person must believe. No Shiite who stops or questions that. Based on this, it is not proven that the testimony of the authority of Ali Ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) in prayer during the tashahhud is mentioned. It is obvious that we are commanded to believe in all the prophets (PBUT) whether they are mentioned in the Quran or not. Can you bear witness of the testimony of their prophethood in prayer? We are also commanded by the mandate of the imams (PBUT) to believe in the mandate and authority of the awaited Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Why do we not mention him in prayer? May Allah guide us all to the right path. Allah is the Knowing and the Guide.