Dhuhr, the midday prayer in Islam, holds a unique significance in the daily worship routine of Muslims. Performed during the peak hours of the day, it serves as a spiritual pause, inviting believers to connect with their Creator amidst the hustle and bustle of life. The act of Dhuhr prayer not only fulfills a religious obligation but also offers a profound opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation, enabling individuals to recharge their souls and navigate the rest of the day with increased purpose and clarity.
The performance of Dhuhr prayer involves a series of prescribed actions and recitations, each imbued with spiritual significance. Beginning with the declaration of intention, the worshipper enters a state of ritual purity by performing ablution. This physical purification symbolizes the inner cleansing of the heart and mind, preparing the worshipper to approach God with a clear and focused consciousness. The core of the prayer consists of a sequence of standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting positions, accompanied by the recitation of specific verses from the Quran and supplications. These actions serve as a physical manifestation of humility, submission, and devotion, expressing the worshipper’s complete surrender to the will of Allah.
As the worshipper completes the final prostration and concludes the prayer with a formal greeting of peace, a profound sense of tranquility and fulfillment often washes over them. Dhuhr prayer becomes more than just a ritual obligation; it transforms into a transformative experience, leaving the worshipper feeling spiritually refreshed, grounded, and ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The act of Dhuhr prayer serves as a constant reminder of the presence of God in one’s life, providing comfort, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Ruk’u (Bowing) in Dhuhr Prayer
The ruk’u, or bowing position, is the third position in the Dhuhr prayer. It is performed immediately after the qiyam (standing position) and before the sujud (prostration).
To perform the ruk’u, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bow at the waist, bringing your hands to your knees. Keep your back straight and your head down. Rest your gaze on the ground in front of you.
While in the ruk’u position, recite the following verse (Surah 3:43):
| Ruk’u Verse | |
|---|---|
| Arabic: | سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ |
| Transliteration: | Subhana rabbiyal ‘atheem |
| Translation: | Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent |
Remain in the ruk’u position for a few seconds, then return to the qiyam position.
The Sitting Position in Dhuhr Prayer
The sitting position in Dhuhr prayer involves the following steps:
1. Sit upright on the floor
2. Cross your legs
3. Place your hands on your knees
4. Bow your head slightly
5. Close your eyes
6. Focus on the intention of the prayer
The intention of the prayer is to establish a connection with Allah and express gratitude for His blessings. It is important to be present and focused during this time, and to avoid distractions. One way to achieve this is to focus on the meaning of the words you are reciting, and to visualize yourself in the presence of Allah.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sit upright on the floor with your legs crossed. |
| 2 | Place your hands on your knees. |
| 3 | Bow your head slightly. |
| 4 | Close your eyes. |
| 5 | Focus on the intention of the prayer. |
Second Prostration in Dhuhr Prayer
The second prostration in the Dhuhr prayer is performed after the recitation of the first Tashahhud, which consists of the following words: “At-Tahiyyatu Lillahi Was-Salawatu Wat-Tayyibatu. As-Salamu ‘Alayka AyYuha An-Nabiyyu Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. As-Salamu ‘Alayna Wa ‘Ala ‘Ibadi Lillahis-Salihin. Ash-Hadu An La Ilaha Illa Allah, Wa Ash-Hadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa Rasuluhu.”
To perform the second prostration, follow these steps:
1. Return to the sitting position and recite the second Tashahhud.
2. Raise your hands to your shoulders and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
3. Go into prostration and place your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and feet on the ground.
4. Recite the subhanAllah formula three times in Arabic: “Subhana rabbiyal-a’la, subhana rabbiyal-a’la, subhana rabbiyal-a’la.”
5. Return to the sitting position and recite the second Tashahhud.
6. End the prayer by reciting the Salam, which is said twice: “As-Salamu ‘Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah,” once turning your head to the right and once turning your head to the left.
Salawat in Dhuhr Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever prays the Dhuhr prayer while reciting in its first two rak’ahs:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الأمِّيِّ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
and in its last two rak’ahs:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الأمِّيِّ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
will be given the reward of fasting for sixty years and praying for sixty nights."
| Section | Salawat |
|---|---|
| First Two Rak’ahs | اللهم صلِّ على محمّد النبي الأمِّي وعلى آل محمّد كما صلّيت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنّك حميد مجيد |
| Last Two Rak’ahs | اللهم بارك على محمّد النبي الأمِّي وعلى آل محمّد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنّك حميد مجيد |
In addition to the ahadith mentioned above, there are many other ahadith that encourage Muslims to recite the Salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) in their prayers.
Dua (Supplication) after Dhuhr Prayer
After performing the Dhuhr prayer, it is recommended to recite the following supplication:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Translation |
| اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَعَفْوِكَ وَرَحْمَتِكَ مَا لاَ يَقْدِرُ عَلَيْهِ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُكَ | Allaahumma, innee as-aluka min fadlika wa’afwika wa-rahmatika ma laa yaqdiru ‘alayhi ahadun ghayruka | O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty, forgiveness, and mercy what no one can give except You. |
| اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذُنُوبِي كُلِّهَا دِقَّهَا وَجِلَّهَا وَأَوَّلَهَا وَآخِرَهَا وَعَلاَنِيَتَهَا وَسِرَّهَا | Allaahumma, ighfir lee dhunoobee kullaha, diqqaha wa jillaha, wa awwalaha wa aakhiraha, wa ‘alaaniyataha wa sirraha | O Allah, forgive all my sins, the small and the great, the first and the last, the open and the secret. |
| اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَتَوَجَّهُ إِلَيْكَ بِنَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَبِيِّ الرَّحْمَةِ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ | Allaahumma, innee atawajjahu ilayka bi-nabiyyika Muhammadin sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, nabiyyir-rahmah, yaa arhama-rrahimeen | O Allah, I turn to You through Your Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Prophet of Mercy. O Most Merciful of the merciful. |
How to Pray Dhuhr
Dhuhr is the midday prayer in Islam and it is one of the five obligatory prayers. There are some steps to follow when performing the Dhuhr prayer. After completing the wuḍū (ablution), the person must face the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca), and then follow the following steps:
- Niyyah (Intention): Intend in your heart that you are praying Dhuhr.
- Takbīrat al-Iḥrām: Raise your hands up to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great).
- Qiyām: Stand up with your feet apart and your hands by your side.
- Qirā’ah: Recite Sūrah al-Fātihah.
- Ruku’: Bow down with your hands on your knees and say "Subhāna rabbi al-‘Aẓīm" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great).
- I’tidāl: Rise back up to the standing position and say "Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him) and "Rabbanā lakal-ḥamd" (Our Lord, all praise is due to You).
- Sujūd: Go down in prostration with your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground and say "Subhāna rabbi al-A’lā" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
- Julus between the two prostration: Sit on your heels and say "Rabbighfir lī" (My Lord, forgive me).
- Second Sujūd: Go down in prostration again and repeat the previous step.
- Tashahhud: Sit on your left foot with your right foot upright and say the Tashahhud.
- Salām: Turn your head to the right and say "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), and then turn your head to the left and repeat the same.
People Also Ask
What is the time for Dhuhr prayer?
The time for Dhuhr prayer begins when the sun passes its zenith (the highest point in the sky) and ends when the shadow of an object is equal to its length plus the length of its shadow at sunrise.
How many rak’ahs are in Dhuhr prayer?
Dhuhr prayer consists of four rak’ahs.
Is Dhuhr prayer obligatory?
Yes, Dhuhr prayer is one of the five obligatory prayers in Islam.
