Abu Wa'il (may Allah have mercy on him) says that once (a man from Banu Bajilah) — whose name was Nahik bin Sinan — came to the service of Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: I recite the Mufassalat (short surahs) in one rak'ah. Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Like inferior poetry? I also know examples that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recited two surahs in one rak'ah. Then he mentioned twenty rak'ahs of the Mufassalat, in each rak'ah two surahs.