Nasai

1005. Commentary:

➊ Whether there are two surahs in one rak‘ah or two surahs in two rak‘ahs of a prayer, there should also be a thematic connection between them. The meaning of “similar surahs” (naza’ir) is also this connection. Some people have taken similarity in length as the intended meaning, but that is not correct, as is evident from the details of these surahs, such as «اقْتَرَبَتِ» and «الْحَاقَّةُ» in one rak‘ah, and likewise «إِذَا الشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ» and «دُخَان» in one rak‘ah.

➋ While reciting the Noble Qur’an, it is not necessary to maintain the order of the surahs, i.e., if someone recites Surah al-Kahf before Surah al-Baqarah, there is no harm in it. However, reciting in order is better and more virtuous, because most of the practice of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was upon this.

➌ This blessed hadith is in agreement with the statement of ‘A’ishah and Ibn ‘Abbas (radi Allahu anhum) that the night prayer of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), apart from witr, was ten rak‘ahs.

➍ The recitation of the Noble Qur’an should be done with reflection and contemplation upon its meanings. It is not appropriate to recite very quickly without thinking.

➎ At times, it is permissible to recite the second rak‘ah longer than the first, because among these surahs, some of the later surahs are longer than the earlier ones. Also, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to recite Surah al-A‘la in the first rak‘ah and Surah al-Ghashiyah in the second rak‘ah during the Friday prayer. And it is known that Surah al-Ghashiyah is longer than Surah al-A‘la.