We often offer the Taraaweeh prayer according to the following form: twenty Rak‘as, in each two Rak‘as the Imaam recites from Surah At-Takaathur until Surah Al-Masad. Then, in the second one he recites Surah Al-Ikhlaas. This form is being quickly repeated every night. Is it considered an aspect of a prohibited specification?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is nothing wrong with repeating certain Surahs in each Rak‘ah, especially if it is for a specific purpose. For instance, if the people experience hardship when the Imaam recites long Surahs or if he only memorized these Surahs. ‘Aa’ishah reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, appointed a man in charge of an army unit. He used to lead them in the prayer and conclude his recitation with Surah Al-Ikhlaas. Upon their return to Al-Medeenah, the Companions mentioned this case to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who said: "Ask him why he does so?" The man was asked and then he said, "This Surah contains the Attributes of Allaah, The Most Merciful, and I like to recite it. Then the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Tell him that Allaah Loves him". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Imaam Ibn Al-‘Arabi said: "This Hadeeth indicates the permissibility of repeating a specific Surah in each Rak‘ah."

However, it is better for a Muslim to recite any of the Surahs of the Quran he has memorized with no specification. Hence, it is the practice of the righteous predecessors.

Allaah Knows best.