Dhuhr is the midday prayer performed during the afternoon. It is one of the five obligatory prayers in Islam, and it is recommended to perform it in congregation at the mosque. Dhuhr is a time of great spiritual significance, as it is the time when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray. During Dhuhr, Muslims reflect on their relationship with Allah and seek His guidance and protection.
To perform Dhuhr, one must first make the intention to pray. Then, they must perform the wudu, which is a ritual washing of the face, hands, and feet. After the wudu, they must face the qibla, which is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. They must then recite the opening takbir, which is “Allahu Akbar” (God is great). After the opening takbir, they must recite the surah al-Fatihah, which is the first chapter of the Quran. They may then recite additional surahs from the Quran. After the recitation of the Quran, they must perform the ruku, which is a bowing of the head and back. After the ruku, they must return to standing and recite “SamiAllahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him). They must then perform the sujud, which is a prostration on the ground. After the sujud, they must sit up and recite “Rabbighfirli” (My Lord, forgive me). They must then perform a second sujud. After the second sujud, they must sit up and recite the tashahhud, which is a declaration of faith. They must then recite the salawat, which is a prayer for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They must then end the prayer with the salam, which is a greeting of peace.
Dhuhr is a time of great spiritual significance, and it is important to perform it with sincerity and devotion. By performing Dhuhr, Muslims can connect with Allah and seek His guidance and protection.
Ablution
Ablution, or wudu, is a significant act of purification that precedes many Islamic rituals, including the Dhuhr prayer. It involves the washing of specific body parts to remove any impurities or contaminants. The detailed steps of ablution are as follows:
1. Niyyah (Intention)
Before beginning ablution, it is crucial to declare your intention to perform it for the sake of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. This mental declaration is essential to establish the religious significance of the act.
2. Washing Hands
Begin by washing your hands up to the wrists, ensuring that no part of the hands is left dry. Rub your hands together and rinse them thoroughly.
3. Rinsing Mouth
Use your right hand to gather a mouthful of water and swish it around thoroughly. Expel the water and repeat the process two more times.
4. Snorting Water
Gently sniff water into your nostrils using your right hand and blow it out. Repeat this process three times.
5. Washing Face
Rub your face with water three times, from your forehead to your chin and from ear to ear. Ensure that all areas of your face are covered.
Washing Forearms and Wiping Head:
| Forearms | Head | |
|---|---|---|
| Left | From elbow to fingertips | Wiped with right wet hand from front to back of head |
| Right | From elbow to fingertips | Wiped with left wet hand from back to front of head |
6. Washing Feet
Wash both feet up to the ankles, rubbing the soles and between each toe. Pass your wet hands over the top of each foot three times.
7. Completion
Once you have completed these steps, your ablution is complete, and you are now ready to proceed with the Dhuhr prayer.
Making the Intention
When performing Dhuhr, it is essential to make the intention clear before starting. This involves focusing on the act of prayer and aligning your heart with the purpose of connecting with Allah. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in making the intention for Dhuhr:
1. Physical Preparation
Ensure you have performed the necessary ablutions (wudhu) to purify yourself before prayer. Find a clean and quiet place where you can focus on your spiritual connection.
2. Mental Preparation
Take a moment to calm your mind and still your thoughts. Bring your awareness to the present moment and focus on the intention of your prayer. The intention can be verbalized within your heart or spoken out loud, as follows:
| Arabic | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Uṣalli sunnata ż-ẓuhr rakʿatayni li-llāhi taʿālā | I pray two Sunnah rak’ahs of Dhuhr for the sake of Allah, the Exalted |
| Uṣalli farḍa ż-ẓuhr arbaʿa rakʿāti li-llāhi taʿālā | I pray four Fard rak’ahs of Dhuhr for the sake of Allah, the Exalted |
3. Action Preparation
Once your intention is firmly established, raise your hands to your ears while saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), indicating the commencement of the prayer.
Establishing the Qiblah
The Qiblah is the direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca, towards which Muslims face during prayer.
There are several methods for determining the Qiblah:
Using a Compass
A compass can be used to find the direction of magnetic north. The Kaaba is located approximately 26 degrees east of magnetic north. To find the Qiblah using a compass, first adjust the compass for your location’s magnetic declination. Then, add 26 degrees to the magnetic north reading to find the direction of the Qiblah.
Using Online Calculators
There are several online calculators that can be used to determine the Qiblah for any given location. These calculators take into account the Earth’s curvature and magnetic field variations to provide an accurate Qiblah direction.
Using Local Mosques
Most mosques have a sign or marker indicating the direction of the Qiblah. If you are unsure of the Qiblah direction in your area, you can visit a local mosque and ask for assistance.
Using the Sun
At midday, the sun is almost directly overhead in the Arabian Peninsula, where Mecca is located. Therefore, facing directly away from the sun at midday will give you a rough estimate of the Qiblah direction.
| Method | Accuracy |
|---|---|
| Compass | Good, if declination is adjusted |
| Online Calculators | Excellent |
| Local Mosques | Good, if the mosque is well-maintained |
| Sun | Rough estimate |
Sunnah Before Dhuhr
1. Making Dua Before Entering the Masjid
Before entering the masjid, recite the dua of entering the masjid: “Bismillahi, wa salaatu was salaamu ‘alaa Rasulillah, Allahumma-ighfirli dhunoobii, waftahlii abwaaba rahmatik (In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the gates of your mercy).”
2. Praying Two Sunnah Rak’ahs
After entering the masjid, it is sunnah to pray two rak’ahs of sunnah before performing dhuhr. These rak’ahs can be either prayed silently or aloud.
3. Reading Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas
After reciting the tashahhud, it is sunnah to read Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlas.
4. Making Dua After Sunnah Rak’ahs
After completing the two sunnah rak’ahs, it is highly recommended to extend the dua after tasleem. This is an important part of the Sunnah before Dhuhr and offers several benefits:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeking forgiveness and blessings | Recite the istighfar dua, which includes seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah. |
| Requesting guidance and success | Pray for guidance in all aspects of life, as well as success in both this world and the hereafter. |
| Making specific supplications | You can make specific supplications for personal needs, such as health, wealth, or family well-being. |
| Reciting Quranic verses | Recite verses from the Quran that you find particularly meaningful or relevant to your needs. |
| Praising Allah | Express gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and favors. |
Starting the Salah
To begin the Dhuhr prayer, you should first ensure that you have made the necessary preparations, such as performing wudu and finding a clean place to pray. Once you are ready, you can start the prayer by following these steps:
- Stand facing the Qiblah: Determine the direction of the Qiblah, which is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. You can use a compass or Qiblah-finding app to help you find the correct direction.
- Say the Takbiratul Ihram: Raise your hands to your ears and say the following words: “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest).
- Recite the Thana: After the Takbiratul Ihram, recite the Thana, which is a supplication praising Allah.
- Seek refuge from Satan: Recite the following words: “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.” This is to protect yourself from any distractions or temptations during the prayer.
- Recite the Opening Surah (Surah Al-Fatihah): Recite the first chapter of the Quran, known as Surah Al-Fatihah. This is the most important part of the prayer and it is obligatory to recite it in every Rakah.
Reciting Al-Fatihah
Al-Fatihah is the opening chapter of the Quran, and it is recited twice during each rakah of Dhuhr.
**Here are the steps on how to recite Al-Fatihah**:
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Raise your hands to your ears, with your palms facing forward.
- Say the following Arabic phrase: “BismillahirRahmanirRahim.”
- Bring your hands down to your chest, with your right hand over your left.
- Recite the following Arabic phrase: “Alhamdulillah Rabbil ‘Aalameen.”
- Continue reciting the rest of Al-Fatihah in Arabic.
- When you reach the end of Al-Fatihah, say the following Arabic phrase: “Wa laa addalla illa bihi.”
- Lower your hands to your sides.
| Arabic Text | English Translation |
|---|---|
| بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ | In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. |
| الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ | All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. |
| الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ | The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. |
| مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ | Master of the Day of Judgment. |
| إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ | You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. |
| اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ | Guide us to the straight path. |
| صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ | The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. |
Reciting Additional Surahs
After reciting Al-Fatihah, you have the option to recite additional surahs. Here are some popular choices and their benefits:
| Surah | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Al-Ikhlas | Purity of faith and protection from evil |
| Al-Falaq | Protection from the evil of black magic and envy |
| An-Nas | Protection from the whispers of the devil |
| Al-Kawthar | Abundant blessings and prosperity |
| Al-Ma’un | Reminder of the importance of charity and compassion |
The number of surah you recite after Al-Fatihah is flexible. Some people prefer to recite only one additional surah, while others may recite several. The choice is up to you, and you can choose surah that resonate with you or that you feel the need for protection or guidance.
After reciting the additional surah, you can proceed to the bowing position (ruku’) by saying “Allahu Akbar.”
Ruku
Ruku is the bowing position in the prayer, following the Qiyam (standing) position. It is performed by bending forward at the waist, placing the hands on the knees, and keeping the back straight.
Steps to Perform Ruku:
1. After completing the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, say “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest) and bow forward.
2. Keep your back straight and perpendicular to the ground.
3. Place your hands on your knees, fingers spread out and elbows close to your body.
4. Your head should be between your hands, facing the ground.
5. Pronounce the phrase “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
6. Remain in the Ruku position for a few seconds, allowing time for the body to relax and the mind to connect spiritually.
7. Slowly rise back to the Qiyam position, saying “Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him).
8. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms by your sides, and head facing forward. For the Hanafi school of thought, the Qiyam position is held for a short while before proceeding to the Sajdah (prostration) position.
Sujud
Sujud, also known as prostration, is a fundamental part of Dhuhr prayer. It involves placing the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground in a state of submission to Allah.
The steps involved in performing Sujud are as follows:
- Position yourself. Begin by sitting on your heels with your hands on your knees.
- Takbir. Say "Allahu Akbar" and lift your hands to your ears.
- Lean forward. Lower your head towards the ground, keeping your back straight.
- Place your hands. Extend your hands straight ahead, shoulder-width apart.
- Place your forehead. Gently place your forehead on the ground.
- Place your nose. Your nose should rest on the ground, slightly below your forehead.
- Place your hands. Bring your hands alongside your head, with your fingers extended towards the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
- Close your eyes. Close your eyes to focus on your prayer.
- Make dua. Recite the following duas:
Arabic English Translation Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala Glory to my Lord, the Most High Subhana Rabbiyal Kareem Glory to my Lord, the Most Generous Subhana Rabbiyal Azim Glory to my Lord, the Most Great - Remain in prostration. Continue reciting the duas for as long as you wish.
- Return to sitting position. Slowly lift your head and return to the sitting position.
Tashahhud and Salam
After completing the fourth rak’ah, recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith) while sitting in the tawarruk position. The Tashahhud consists of the following phrases:
| Arabic | English |
|---|---|
| أتَحِيَّتُكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. | Peace and the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. |
| أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ | I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger. |
| اللهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ. | O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. |
| كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ. | As You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. |
| إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ | Surely, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. |
After reciting the Tashahhud, turn your head to the right and say, “Assalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu” (Peace and the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you) to those on your right. Then turn your head to the left and repeat the same salutation to those on your left.
How to Perform Dhuhr
Dhuhr is one of the five daily prayers observed by Muslims. It is performed in the afternoon, after the sun has passed its zenith and is declining towards the horizon. The time for Dhuhr begins when the sun has passed its zenith and ends when the shadow of an object is equal to the length of the object itself.
To perform Dhuhr, you will need to make the following steps:
- Make the intention to pray Dhuhr.
- Perform wudu (ablution).
- Face the qiblah (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca).
- Raise your hands to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
- Recite Chapter 1 of the Quran (Surah Al-Fatihah).
- Recite any other verses or chapters of the Quran that you wish.
- Bow down and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
- Stand up straight and say, “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah,” then say, “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Allah hears those who praise Him, Our Lord, to You is all praise).
- Prostrate yourself and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
- Sit up and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
- Prostrate yourself again and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
- Sit up and say, “Attahiyyatu lillahi, ” then recite the following supplication: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma salli `ala Muhammad, wa `ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta `ala Ibrahim, wa `ala ali Ibrahim, wa barik `ala Muhammad, wa `ala Muhammad, kama barakta `ala Ibrahim, wa `ala ali Ibrahim, fil `alamin. Innaka hamidun majid.””
- Turn your head to the right and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
- Turn your head to the left and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
People Also Ask
What time is Dhuhr?
The time for Dhuhr begins when the sun has passed its zenith and ends when the shadow of an object is equal to the length of the object itself.
How many rak’ahs are in Dhuhr?
There are four rak’ahs in Dhuhr.
What is the difference between Dhuhr and Asr?
Dhuhr is performed in the afternoon, after the sun has passed its zenith and is declining towards the horizon. Asr is performed in the late afternoon, when the shadow of an object is twice the length of the object itself.
