I read Surah al-Naas in the first Rak’at of prayer, what should I recite in the second Rak’at?

Darulifta Ahlesunnat

(Dawateislami)

Question

   What do the scholars of the Deen and muftis of the Sacred Law state regarding the following issue: if someone recites Surah al-Naas in the first cycle of prayer, what should he recite in the following cycles?

بِسْمِ اللہِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ

اَلْجَوَابُ بِعَوْنِ الْمَلِکِ الْوَھَّابِ اَللّٰھُمَّ ھِدَایَۃَ الْحَقِّ وَالصَّوَابِ

   To recite the Qur’an in order is necessary, and to intentionally recite it in reverse order is Makruh Tahreemi, impermissible and a sin. To repeat recitation of one surah in 2 Rak’aat of Fard prayer, is Makruh Tanzeehi and is contrary to that which is preferred but not a sin. If it is done out of necessity, then it is not even Makruh Tanzeehi, whilst repeating the recitation of a Surah in Nafl prayer is not even disliked.

   Therefore, in the scenario of the questioner, it is necessary for the worshipper to recite Surah al-Naas again in the next Rak’at. He cannot recite a Surah prior to it and because this repetition is out of necessity, it is not disliked. However, one should not intentionally recite Surah al-Naas in the first Rak’at of Fard prayer, so he can avoid having to repeat the recitation of the Surah.

   Remember, if someone does not recite Surahs in the correct order, it is not necessary to perform Sajdah Sahw. This is because Sajdah Sahw becomes necessary if one forgets to fulfil one of the Wajibat of prayer. To recite in order is not from the Wajibat of prayer, rather it is from the Wajibat of recitation.

وَاللہُ اَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَرَسُوْلُہ اَعْلَم صَلَّی اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم

Written by: Mufti Fuzail Raza Attari