Dhuhr

Salat Al-Dhuhr or Dhuhr Namaz is the second daily prayer in Islam. It is the midday prayer. This namaz is offered after the sun crosses its highest point.

Here, we describe the details of the Dhuhr prayer, such as when it is performed, Dhuhr namaz rakats, the method, its importance, frequent errors, and frequently asked questions. In this guide, you'll learn:

• When to pray Dhuhr
• How many fardhs and sunnah rakats are in the Dhuhr salat
• What is the Dhuhr prayer method
• Its spiritual importance
• Common mistakes and helpful FAQs

So, let's get started.

Dhuhr Salat Timing

Some hadiths highlight that Dhuhr prayer should generally be performed shortly after noon, but can be delayed slightly during extreme heat.

Salat Al-Dhuhr is prayed after the sun has reached its peak point and is starting to go down. It usually begins around noon and goes on until the shadow of an object is as long as its height.

Islamic scholars explain that Dhuhr starts right after Zawal, which is when the sun moves away from the centre of the sky. In Sahih Bukhari, it is reported:

Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: We used to offer the Dhuhr prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) when the sun had declined (just after midday).
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 560

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also encouraged praying Dhuhr earlier when the heat was extremely high, as mentioned:

Narrated Abu said that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "Pray Dhuhr prayer when it becomes (a bit) cooler as the severity of heat is from the raging of the Hell-fire."
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 538

Total Rakats in Dhuhr Salat

The Dhuhr prayer has rakats, and they are divided as follows:

1. Four Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah (Highly Emphasized)
2. Four Rakats Fard (Obligatory)
3. Two Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah
4. Two Rakats Nafl (Optional)

How to Perform Dhuhr Salat

Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Qibla Direction and Niyyah (Intention)

Stand facing the Qibla, the direction of the Ka'bah in Mecca. You can find the exact directions using the Muslim Pro or Quran Majeed mobile app.

Next, make the intention (niyyah) to offer the Dhuhr prayer. You can say it quietly to yourself, in Arabic or in your preferred language. Example:

"I intend to offer 4 rakat fard salat for Dhuhr for the sake of Allah."Step 2: Qiyam and Takbir

Stand straight with your hands by your sides. Raise your hands up to your ears (shoulder level for women), palms facing forward, and say:

"Allahu Akbar"

This is called Takbir al-Ihram and marks the beginning of your prayer. After saying it, fold your hands:

• Men: The right hand should be over the left, below the navel.
• Women: Put the Right hand over the left, on the chest.

Step 3: Recite the Opening Dua

Recite the opening supplication (optional but recommended):

"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk"

Translation: "Glorious You are, O Allah, and with Your praise. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is none worthy of worship but You."

Step 4: Seek Refuge from Shaitan

Say:

"A‘oodhu Billaahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-rajeem"

Translation: "I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil."

Then recite:

"Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem"
(In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate)

Step 5: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha

Every rakat starts with Surah Al-Fatiha. After that, recite any other surah or verses from the Quran. If you're learning, you can choose short surahs like:

• Surah Ikhlas
• Surah Asr
• Surah Falaq

Step 6: Ruku (Bowing)

After completing the recitation, say:

"Allahu Akbar" and bow down, placing your hands on your knees.

While in ruku, recite three times:

"Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem"
(Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)

Step 7: Return to Qiyam

Rise up from bowing and say:

"Sami’-Allahu liman hamidah"
(Allah hears the one who praises Him)

Then say:

"Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd"
(Our Lord, to You belongs all praise)

Step 8: Sujood (Prostration)

Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into sujood (prostration). Make sure that your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes. Ensure you're touching the ground. Recite thrice:

"Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la"
(Glory is to my Lord, the Most High)

Step 9: Juloos (Sitting Between Sujood)

Say "Allahu Akbar" and sit up straight in juloos. Men sit on their left foot with the right foot upright; women sit with both feet to the right side.

Recite:

"Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li"
(O my Lord, forgive me. O my Lord, forgive me.)

Now say "Allahu Akbar" and go for the second sujood. Now repeat "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" thrice.

Step 10: Repeat for Four Rakats

• After completing the first rakat, stand up for the second rakat and repeat Steps 5–9.
• At the end of the second rakat, after the second sujood, sit in juloos and recite the Tashahhud:

"Attahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat..."

• After Tashahhud, stand up for the third Rakat.
• In the third and fourth rakats, recite Surah Al-Fatiha only (no additional surah required).
• After the fourth rakat, sit for the final tashahhud and also recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.

Step 11: Finish with Salam

Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying:

"Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah"

Now turn to the left and say:

"Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah"

Your 4 rakat fardh Dhuhr salat is now complete.

For detailed guidance on performing each rakat, you can refer to the Muslim and Quran website.

Importance and Virtues of Dhuhr Salat

The Dhuhr prayer is very powerful in the religion of Islam. It gives Muslims a chance to stop and reflect on their relationship with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) pointed out that it is important to pray on time. Daily prayers at Dhuhr time are necessary for Muslims and also help them feel calm, become more aware, and keep their days organized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Delaying the Prayer: It is discouraged to delay Dhuhr prayer. It is best to offer salat as soon as the athan to the prayer is called.  
2. Skipping Sunnah Rakats: Avoid missing the Sunnah Muakkadah rakats that the Prophet (ﷺ) repeatedly performed.
3. Incorrect Recitation: It is necessary to enunciate verses well and make sure you grasp their meaning.
4. Lack of Concentration: Focusing on your prayer with humility helps you gain the most from it.

Final Thoughts

A Muslim's dedication and discipline are shown by their regular prayers of Salat Al-Dhuhr. It gives us support and encouragement during our day-to-day activities. It also helps us feel closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). If you know the schedule, the number of Zohar namaz rakats and the way to perform it and avoid the usual mistakes, your worship can improve, and you will come closer to Allah.

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