Dhuhr, the midday prayer, holds significant importance in the Islamic faith. It is one of the five obligatory daily prayers that Muslims are required to perform. Dhuhr is a time for spiritual reflection, connection with Allah, and seeking His guidance and blessings. Performing Dhuhr correctly is essential for a valid prayer, and this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in its performance.
Before embarking on the Dhuhr prayer, it is imperative to ensure one’s state of purity. This involves performing ablution, known as wudu, which consists of washing the face, hands, forearms, wiping the head, and washing the feet. It is essential to ensure that all parts of the body that are required to be washed are thoroughly cleansed. Once ablution is complete, the worshiper can proceed with the prayer.
The Dhuhr prayer consists of four rak’ahs. In each rak’ah, the worshiper first stands facing the qiblah, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, and recites the opening takbir, “Allahu Akbar.” This signifies the beginning of the prayer. The worshiper then proceeds to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, followed by other verses from the Quran. After reciting the Quran, the worshiper bows and says, “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem,” and then prostrates, saying, “Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala.” These actions are repeated for all four rak’ahs, with the addition of the recitation of the Tashahud and the final salutations at the end of the fourth rak’ah.
Performing Ruku’ and Sujood
Ruku’ (Bowing)
After Qiyam, lift both hands up to ear level, palms facing Kiblah, saying “Allahu Akbar.” Then, bow down with your head above your waist and back straight. Place your hands on your knees, spreading your fingers and keeping your elbows away from your sides. Remain in this position for a few seconds, reciting the Tasbeeh of Ruku’ “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azeem” (Glory to my Lord, the Magnificent) at least three times.
Sujood (Prostration)
After Ruku’, stand up straight saying “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him). Then, go down to Sujood with your hands, knees, and forehead touching the ground. Keep your feet flat on the floor, your toes pointing towards Kiblah. Place your nose, forehead, and palms on the ground, and spread your arms slightly. Remain in this position for a few seconds, reciting the Tasbeeh of Sujood “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor. |
| 2. | Keep your elbows in line with your shoulders. |
| 3. | Ensure your knees are slightly apart and your feet flat on the floor. |
| 4. | Lower your forehead, nose, and hands simultaneously. |
| 5. | Rest your forehead on the floor and keep your gaze focused on the ground. |
| 6. | Spread your fingers slightly, point your toes toward Kiblah, and keep your arms perpendicular to your body, extending your elbows outward. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. |
Rising from Sujood and Performing Two More Sajdahs
After completing the first two sujoods, rise to a sitting position and say the following dua: “Allahumma ghfir li, warhamni, wajburni, warfa’ni, wahdini, warzuqni.”
Then, lower yourself back into sujood and perform the third and fourth sujoods. Ensure that your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes are touching the ground.
Dua in Sujood
Recite the following dua in sujood:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la.” (Glory be to my Lord Most High)
Repeat this dua at least three times.
Rising from Sujood
After completing the fourth sujood, rise to a sitting position and say the following dua: “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.”
Then, turn your head to the right and repeat the dua. Finally, turn your head to the left and repeat the dua again.
You have now completed two rak’ahs of Dhuhr prayer. Continue with the remaining rak’ahs in the same manner.
Dua for Rising from Sujood
| Arabic | Transcription | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| السلام عليكم ورحمة الله | Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah | Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you |
Taslim and Concluding the Prayer
After completing the Ruku’ and Sujood, it’s time to conclude the prayer with Taslim, which is a symbolic gesture of peace and submission to Allah. Follow these steps:
1. Sit in Tahiyyat al-Akhir
Place your buttocks on your heels, keeping your soles flat on the ground and your toes pointed towards the Qiblah. Your knees should be apart and your hands should rest on your thighs. Say:
| Arabic | Translation |
|---|---|
| أتَحِيَّتُ اللَّهِ وَصَلَوَاتُهُ وَ طَيِّبَاتُهُ | All compliments, prayers and pure words belong to Allah. |
| السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ | Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you, O Prophet. |
| السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ | Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. |
| 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 slave and Messenger. |
2. Turn Your Head to the Right
Turn your head slightly to the right while saying: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
3. Turn Your Head to the Left
Turn your head slightly to the left while saying: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
How To Perform Dhuhr
Dhuhr is the obligatory midday prayer in Islam. It is performed between the declination of the sun and the time of Asr. Dhuhr consists of four rak’ahs (units of prayer). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Dhuhr:
- Make the intention (niyyah) to perform Dhuhr.
- Stand facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca).
- Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
- Recite the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar).
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran).
- Recite another surah or verses from the Quran.
- Bow and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Remain in the bowing position and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
- Stand up and say “Sami’Allahu Liman Hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him).
- Say “Rabbanaa wa lakal hamdu” (Our Lord, and to You is the praise).
- Prostrate and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Remain in the prostration position and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Prostrate again and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- Remain in the prostration position and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
- Sit up and say “Allahu Akbar.”
- 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.”
People Also Ask About How To Perform Dhuhr
When is the time for Dhuhr?
Dhuhr is performed between the declination of the sun and the time of Asr. The exact time for Dhuhr varies depending on your location.
How many rak’ahs are in Dhuhr?
Dhuhr consists of four rak’ahs (units of prayer).
What should I recite during Dhuhr?
During Dhuhr, you should recite Surah Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran) and another surah or verses from the Quran.
How should I perform the bowing and prostration positions?
When bowing, place your hands on your knees and keep your back straight. When prostrating, place your forehead, nose, and hands on the ground. Keep your arms at your sides and your feet together.
