Is it obligatory for the worshipper to recite the surahs and verses in the order they appear in the Mushaf (Qur’an) in audible or silent prayers, and is it permissible to recite earlier verses from a surah in the first rak’ah and then recite later verses from the same surah in the second rak’ah?

Reciting the Qur’an in reverse order (tankees) means presenting what comes later before what comes earlier. This includes reversing letters, words, verses, and chapters.

- Reversing letters: Presenting later letters before earlier ones within the same word. This is forbidden and invalidates the prayer. - Reversing words: Presenting a subsequent word before a preceding one. This is forbidden because it alters the meaning of Allah's words. - Reversing verses: Reciting a subsequent verse before a preceding one. This is forbidden according to the imams because the order of verses is divinely ordained (tawqifi). - Reversing chapters: Reciting a subsequent chapter before a preceding one. This is not forbidden according to the majority of scholars because the order of chapters is based on scholarly discretion (ijtihadi) and not divinely ordained. This is supported by the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. - It is permissible to recite a part of some verses and then return to recite an earlier part in another rak'ah, provided the meaning remains complete.