question #1 Sahih Muslim 451a, Book 4, Hadith 174 : What is the significance of reciting Surat al-Fatiha and other surahs during the first two rak’ahs of the prayer?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in prayer and recited in the first two rak’ahs of the noon and afternoon prayers Surat al-Fitiha and two (other) surahs. And he would sometimes recite loud enough for us the verses. He would prolong the first rak’ah more than the second. And he acted similarly in the morning prayer.