The Book of the Commencement of the Prayer - Sunan an-Nasa'i 915

"The Prophet (ﷺ) was given seven oft-recited; the seven long ones."

Commentary on the Seven Oft-Recited

This noble hadith refers to the seven longest chapters (surahs) of the Qur'an, which are Al-Baqarah, Aal 'Imran, An-Nisa', Al-Ma'idah, Al-An'am, Al-A'raf, and either Yunus or At-Tawbah according to different scholarly opinions.

The term "oft-recited" (mathani) indicates these surahs are frequently recited in prayer due to their comprehensive nature containing legal rulings, stories of previous nations, and fundamental Islamic beliefs.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam Al-Bayhaqi explains that these seven were specifically mentioned due to their length and the abundance of legal rulings they contain, making them essential for Muslim practice and worship.

Ibn Kathir notes that these surahs are called "mathani" because they are repeated in recitation more than others, and they contain repeated reminders and lessons for believers.

The special mention of these seven indicates their superiority and the importance of their frequent recitation and study in Islamic worship and legal understanding.