What is the ruling on women gathering to study the Qur'an, then reciting Al-Fatihah and the beginning of Surat Al-Baqarah after completing the recitation of the entire Qur'an, with the intention of demonstrating the continuity of reading and that the Qur'an does not end?

Scholars have differed on the ruling concerning the practice of some reciters who, after completing the Qur’an, begin a new ختمة (recitation cycle) by reciting Al-Fatiha and the first five verses of Al-Baqarah. There are two opinions:

1. Permissibility and Recommendation: They cited a weak hadith from Ubayy ibn Ka’b stating that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to do so, and the hadith of "Al-Hall Al-Murtahil" (the one who finishes and starts anew) (also weak), the practice of the early Muslims (Salaf), and the general practice of Muslims in various regions.

2. Prohibition and Non-Recommendation: Imam Ahmad explicitly stated this opinion, due to the lack of authentic evidence from the Prophet, peace be upon him, and because the narrations mentioned regarding this are weak.

The second opinion is more evident due to the absence of authentic proof for its recommendation. However, this is a matter of ijtihad (independent reasoning), and one should not be condemned for preferring either of the two opinions.