Question Summary:
Specifying a Surah in Salaah

Question Detail:

everyday, and surah Dhuhah everytime I pray Ishraq is it called “fixing” and therefore bi’dah?  In the same vein, a previous email from the Jamiat recommended praying surah Kafiroon and Surah Ikhlaas in the sunnah salaah of Fajr and Maghrib respectively, is this called “fixing”?
2.       Is it correct that one should also pray long surahs during the sunnah salaahs of Fajr and Maghrib?  If so then how does it fit in with the above question?
3.       What is the time recommended for praying Ishraq salaah?  5 minutes after sunrise, or 15 minutes, or ??

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1. Yes, if you recite Surah Al ‘Asr and Surah Al Duhā everyday in ‘Asr and Ishraq salah respectively, it will be considered “fixing a surah” which is disliked.[1] If you consider it to be Sunnah it will be bid‘ah. Recitation of Suras Al Kāfirūn and Al Ikhlās in sunnah of Fajr is sunnah[2] unlike the recitation of Al ‘Asr and Al Duhā in ‘Asr and Duhā salāh. This “fixation” is from Nabi sallaAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam himself, hence, not disliked.    
2. No, the sunnah salah of Fajr and Maghrib should not be long.  
3. Generally, it is best to give a 15 to 20 minute delay
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Hisham Dawood
Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
Daruliftaa.net