Repeating Surahs in Salat

By Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
Posted: 17 Zul-Qa'dah 1424, 10 January 2004

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Fatwa Department)


Q.) I read in a book that Rasoolullah Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam often used to say the sunnats of Fajr Salat in the following manner:

In the first rakaat he used to recite Surah Kafiroon three times and in the second rakaat he used to recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas together. Please authenticate this and in the above light I would like to know whether it is proper to recite several Surahs in a single rakaat or repeat a particular syrah two or three times in a singer rakaat. [Shehab Zafar]


A.) Rasulullah Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has been reported to have recited several Surahs in a single Rakaat in various Ahaadith.

According to the Hanafi Madhab, it is permissible to do so in the Nafl Salawaat. It is better not to do it in the Fardh Salat. However, if one does it in the Fardh Salat, it will not be Makrooh as long as no Surah has been left out in between. (Shaami vol.1 pg.546; Kabeeri pg.494)

It is also permissible to repeat a single verse in one Rakaat a few times in the Nafl Salat. It is Makrooh to do so in the Fardh Salat. (Kabeeri - sharh Munyatul Musallee pgh.494)

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best