Recently, the issue of the third testimony [shahada thalitha] only in the Tashahud part of the prayer has…

Answer

In the name of Allah, it is not proved neither in an authentic narration nor in authentic hadeeth book that any of the infallible Imams (PBUT) used the third testimony in the Tashahud part of the prayer. It is only mentioned in the book “Alfiqh Alradhawi” which is verbally transmitted that this book was dictated by Imam Al-Ridha (PBUH), a matter which is of great confusion. This book contains things that any common Shiite would not say. For example, the book mentions that it is enough in ablution to wash the feet. Is there any Shiite or Imam who would say so?! However, after inspection and investigation, it turned out that this book was written by Al-Shalmaghani during the minor occultation of the Awaited Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance). In his letters, the Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) cursed this man and it is he who added the third testimony to the prayer in order to show that he is much more loyal to Ahlulbait (PBUT) than others. We have iterated that it is permissible to testify to the loyalty to Imam Ali and other Imams (PBUT) under the title of invocation within the Qunoot, Rukoo and prostration parts in the prayer, saying “O’ Allah, I believe in them [mentioning their name (PBUT)]. I beseech you through them in having my things fulfilled”. This is not proved that it is part of the Tashahud. Furthermore, adding anything to the prayer without an authentic, religious text is a forbidden legislation, and it invalidates the prayer. Some have attempted to adopt certain unauthentic narrations which say we are ordered to testify to Allah’s onehood, His Messenger's (PBUH&HF) prophethood and loyalty to Imam Ali (PBUH). If we hypnotically assume that these narrations are authentic, they are not related to the parts of the prayer, but they are related to the matters that Man should believe in. No Shiite would suspect or abstain from that matters. Accordingly, reciting the third testimony of Ali Ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) in the Tashahud part of the prayer is not proved. It is commonly known that we are ordered to believe in all the prophets (PBUT) who were either mentioned in Quran or not. Can you testify to their prophethood in the prayer?! We are also ordered to be loyal to the Awaited Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Why do not we mention his name in the prayer?! I pray to Allah to guide us all to the right path. Allah is the All Guide.