Chapter on the Manner of Prayer, Explanation of the Fifty-One Rak‘ahs; The Order, Recitation, Tasbih in Bowing and Prostration, Qunut, and What is Obligatory and Recommended Therein

Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa, from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from Abu Ayyub al-Khazzaz, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: I said to Abu Abdillah عليه السلام: “Is there anything specific or fixed regarding the recitation in prayer?” Imam عليه السلام said: “No, except for Jumu‘ah, ‘(Surah) al-Jumu‘ah’ and ‘(Surah) al-Munafiqin’ are to be recited.” I said to Him عليه السلام: “Then which surahs should be recited in the prayers?” Imam عليه السلام said: “As for Dhuhr and the final Isha, they are the same; and ‘Asr and Maghrib are the same. As for Ghadah (Fajr), it is the longest. As for Dhuhr and the final Isha, then (recite): ‘Sabbih isma Rabbika al-A‘la’ (Surah Al-A‘la) and ‘al-Shamsi wa Duhaha’ (Surah Al-Shams), and those like them. And as for ‘Asr and Maghrib, then (recite): ‘Idha ja’a nasrullah’ (Surah An-Nasr) and ‘Alhakum al-Takathur’ (Surah At-Takathur), and those like them. And as for Ghadah (Fajr), then (recite): ‘Amma yatasaa’alun’ (Surah An-Naba’), ‘Hal ataka hadithu’l-ghashiyah’ (Surah Al-Ghashiyah), ‘La uqsimu biyawm al-qiyamah’ (Surah Al-Qiyamah), and ‘Hal ata ‘ala’l-insani hinun mina’l-dahr’ (Surah Al-Insan).”