Hadith Text

My father said, "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite Al-Fatiha along with another Sura in the first two rak`at of the Zuhr and the `Asr prayers and at times a verse or so was audible to us."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 762

Commentary on the Recitation Practice

This narration establishes that the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite both Surah al-Fatiha and an additional surah in the first two rak'at of Zuhr and Asr prayers. This demonstrates the sunnah of reciting more than just the obligatory Fatiha in these prayers, though the recitation is generally silent (sirriyah) in these midday prayers.

Scholarly Analysis of Audibility

The phrase "at times a verse or so was audible to us" indicates that while Zuhr and Asr are silent prayers where recitation is not meant to be heard by others, the Prophet would occasionally allow some verses to become faintly audible. Scholars explain this was to teach his companions the proper recitation or to demonstrate that silent prayer doesn't require complete inaudibility.

Legal Rulings Derived

Imam al-Nawawi states this hadith proves the recitation of a surah after al-Fatiha in the first two rak'at of Zuhr and Asr is a confirmed sunnah. The Hanafi school considers it wajib (obligatory), while others regard it as mustahabb (recommended). The occasional audibility shows flexibility in the rule of silence during these prayers.

Practical Application

This teaching informs Muslims to recite both al-Fatiha and an additional surah in the first two rak'at of Zuhr and Asr, while maintaining generally silent recitation. The practice balances between following the prophetic example and maintaining the distinctive character of silent prayers versus audible ones.