Bayhaqi 3689 — Pausing at a verse of mercy, a verse of punishment

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Awf bin Malik al-Ashja'i (may Allah be pleased with him): One night I stood (in prayer) with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). In his standing he (peace and blessings be upon him) recited Surah al-Baqarah. Whenever he passed a verse of mercy he would stop and ask Allah for mercy, and whenever he passed a verse of punishment he would stop and seek refuge with Allah. Then he bowed for as long as his standing, and in his bowing he would say: 'Subhana dhi al-jabaruti wa al-malakuti wa al-kibriya'i wa al-'azamah' (Glory be to the One possessing great might, vast dominion, grandeur and magnificence). Then he prostrated for as long as his standing and in his prostrations recited the same supplication. Then he stood up and (in the second rak'ah) recited Surah Al Imran, then he recited one surah after another.