Question (Q-32)
What is the ruling in relation to the recitation of Surāh Al Fātihah in the last two units (Rak’āt) of a Fardh Salāh?
Answer:
In the Fardh Salāh, after the first two units (Rak’āt), the person praying has a choice – he can either; recite Surāh Al Fātihah or recite Tasbīh, or he may remain silent and then perform Rukū’ and Sujūd.
It is stated in Mukhtasar Al Qudūrī,
وهو مخير في الأخريين إن شاء قرأ الفاتحة و إن شاء سبح و إن شاء سکت
“And he has a choice in relation to the last two units. If he wishes, he may recite Al Fātihah. If he wishes, he may recite Tasbīh (Glorification) and if he wishes, he may remain silent.”
It is stated in Nūr ul Īdhāh and its commentary, Marāqī Al Falāh,
تسن قرأة الفاتحة فيما بعد الأوليين
“It is Sunnah to recite Al Fātihah in the units (Rak’āt) after the first two (Fardh Units).”
This statement proves that it is better to recite Surāh Al Fātihah.
To recite another Surāh after Surāh Al Fātihah in the last two units (Rak’āt) of a Fardh Salāh is Makrūh At Tanzīhī (Disliked) because it is against the Sunnah. However, if someone does this then he does not need to perform Sajdah As Sahw,
ضمّ سورة في الأخريين المختار لا يکره تحريما بل تنزيها لأنه خلاف السنة و في أظهر الروايات لا يجب عليه سجدتا السهو
“Joining a Sūrah in the last two units (Rak’āt) is not Makrūh At Tahrīmī (Severely disliked) according to the preferred position but rather it is Makrūh At Tanzīhī because it is against the Sunnah. In the most authentic position, the two prostrations of forgetfulness (Sajdah As Sahw) are not necessary upon him.” (Radd ul Muhtār, Volume 1, Page 338)
Allah (تعالى) Knows Best.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
