Q 8: Is it permissible for an Imam or a person offering Salah individually to recite two Surahs in one Rak`ah (unit of Prayer) of the prescribed Salah (prayer)?

A: Yes, it is permissible, for the Hadith recorded by Al-Bukhari and others to the effect that: A man of the Al-Ansar (the Helpers, inhabitants of Madinah who supported the Prophet) used to lead the Ansar in Salah (prayer) in the Masjid (mosque) of Quba' and it was his habit to recite “Qul-huwa-l-lahu ahad” (Say: He is Allah the one [Surah: 112]) (after Al-Fatihah) whenever he wanted to recite anything in Salah. When he finished that Surah, he would recite another one along with it. He followed the same procedure in each Rak`ah. His companions discussed this with him, and said, “You recite this Surah and do not consider it sufficient and then you recite another.Therefore, will you recite it alone or leave it and recite another one?” He said, “I will never leave it and if you want me to be your Imam on this condition then it is all right; otherwise I will leave you.” They knew that he was the best amongst them and they did not like anyone else to lead them. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to them as usual, they informed him about it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed him and said, “O so and so, what forbids you from doing what your companions ask you to do? Why do you read this particular Surah every Rak`ah?” He replied, “I love this Surah.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Your love for this Surah will make you enter Paradise.” Moreover, Al-Bukhari reported Abu Wa'il to have said: (Part No. 6; Page No. 404)  A man came to Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, “I recited the Mufassal (Surahs) at night in one Rak`ah.” Ibn Mas`ud said, “This recitation is (too quick) like chanting poetry. I know the identical Surahs which the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite in pairs.” Ibn Mas`ud then mentioned twenty Mufassal Surahs including two Surahs from those Surahs begin with [Ha, Mim] (which the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite) in each Rak`ah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.