Q 3: In the Masjids (mosques) in our area, the Shaykhs recite Surah Al-Mulk, the first Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) of Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat-ul-Kursy, the last Ayahs of the same Surah, Al-Mu`awwidhatayn (Surahs Al-Falaq and Al-Nas) and Surah Al-Fatihah after calling the Adhan (call to Prayer) of `Isha' (Night) Prayer and before starting Salah. What is the ruling on this? Was it reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so?

A: Reciting these Ayahs, some Surahs and Mu`awwidhatayn or (Part No. 2; Page No. 185) Tashahhud (a recitation in the sitting position in the second/ last unit of Prayer) collectively after Adhan and before starting Salah of `Isha' or after Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer) of each obligatory Salah is baseless and counts as a Bid`ah (innovation in religion). It has not been reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so. It is a Sunnah (a commendable act) to recite Ayat-ul-Kursy immediately after each obligatory Salah following the recitation of Adhkar. The evidence is derived from a narration reported by Abu Umamah that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever recites Ayat-ul-Kursy (verse No. 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah) following every obligatory prayer, then there is nothing between him and his entrance into Paradise except his death. It is also a Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Al-Mu`awwidhatayn after each Salah, as Abu Dawud in his Sunan narrated on the authority of `Uqbah ibn `Amir that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordered me to recite Al-Mu`awwidhat (Surahs Al-Falaq, Al-Nas and Al-Ikhlas) immediately after performing every Salah. The narration of Al-Tirmidhy and Al-Nasa'y reads: "... Al-Mu`awwidhatayn (Surahs Al-Falaq and Al-Nas)..." instead of Al-Mu`awwidhat (Surahs Al-Falaq, Al-Nas and Al-Ikhlas). One may recite these three Surahs after each Salah and after Fajr and Maghrib Prayers three times individually to the extent that he can hear himself. Sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is permissible at any time, but not in the manner mentioned in the question.