than what relates to its location, as mentioned previously. Thus, if a person goes back to the area around the place of sa‘i and performs the two rak‘ahs there, he has fulfilled the sunnah. But it is better for him to ensure that the Station is between him and the Ka‘bah.

Issue: The author, may Allah have mercy on him, did not mention what should be recited in these two rak‘ahs, because the book is concise. However, the sunnah states that in the first he recites: “Say, ‘O disbelievers!’” and in the second: “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One.’” (1) This is because they are the two surahs of sincerity: “Say, ‘O disbelievers!’” embodies sincerity of purpose, while “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One.’” embodies sincerity of creed. Thus, the monotheism in “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One’” is doctrinal monotheism based on knowledge, whereas that in “Say, ‘O disbelievers!’” is practical and volitional.

He likewise did not mention whether they should be lengthened or shortened, for the sake of brevity. However, the sunnah prescribes keeping them brief, so as to leave the place free for those who wish to perform them.