Riyad as-Salihin, 1107

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite during the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer: "Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us..." (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak'ah and the Verse: "We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah." (3:52) in the second Rak'ah. According to another narration, he (ﷺ) recited from Surat Al-'Imran the Verses: "Come to a word which is just between us and you..." (3:64). [Muslim].

وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، كان يقرأ في ركعتي الفجر في الأولى منهما‏:‏ ‏{‏قولوا آمنا بالله وما أنزل إلينا‏}‏ الآية التي في البقرة، وفي الآخرة منهما‏:‏ ‏{‏آمنا بالله واشهد بأنا مسلمون‏}.‏ وفي رواية‏:‏ في الآخرة التي في آل عمران‏:‏ ‏{‏تعالوا إلى كلمة سواء بيننا وبينكم‏}‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواهما مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 8, Hadith 117

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadiths: 1) The reported variety of Surahs to be recited serves many wise purposes, such as making things easy for people, helping people maintain attentiveness of heart in prayer, and showing full compliance with the Prophet’s example, for a follower of his Sunnah would do all that is reported from him. 2) Observing the Prophet’s guidance in the recitation in the Sunnah of Fajr is better and recommended, for full compliance with the Prophet’s Sunnah lies in following all its aspects. 3) The verses (that the Prophet) recited in the Sunnah of Fajr contain disavowal of polytheism and its people, taking pride in monotheism, and display of loyalty towards the believers in the oneness of Allah Almighty. This highlights the significance of monotheism in people’s lives, as they begin their day with pronouncing it.

Related hadiths5