Prayer & Worship
Dhuhr Prayer: Rakats, Sunnah & How to Pray Step by Step
Learn how to pray Dhuhr prayer step by step, how many rakats Dhuhr has, the 4 Fard, Sunnah before and after Dhuhr, prayer time, recitation, and common questions.
Dhuhr prayer (Ṣalāt al-Ẓuhr / صلاة الظهر) is the obligatory midday prayer and the second of the five daily Salah prayers performed by Muslims. It falls after Fajr and before Asr, commencing immediately after the sun passes its zenith (zawāl) and starts its decline toward the west.
For a believer, Dhuhr is not merely an arbitrary pause in the daily routine. It is a profound spiritual sanctuary in the very peak of work, academic study, commercial transactions, family responsibilities, and worldly distractions. The Muslim leaves behind whatever occupies the hands and mind, performs wudu, faces the Qiblah, raises their hands, and declares Allahu Akbar—affirming that Allah is greater than every deadline, meeting, or worldly concern.
Quick Answer: How Many Rakats in Dhuhr Prayer?
The obligatory Dhuhr prayer consists of exactly 4 Fard rak‘ahs.
“Only the 4 Fard rak‘ahs are strictly obligatory (Fard). The Sunnah prayers carry immense spiritual reward and build a home in Paradise.”
What Is Dhuhr Prayer?
Dhuhr is the second of the five daily obligatory prayers prescribed by Allah. The Arabic word Ẓuhr (ظهر) refers to the midday period. In English literature and search engines, it is commonly transliterated as Dhuhr, Zuhr, Duhr, or Dhuhur.
Establishing prayer at its appointed time is a direct divine command:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
Dhuhr Prayer Breakdown: Fard, Sunnah, and Nafl Rakats
The complete Dhuhr prayer sequence practiced by Muslims throughout the world is structured as follows:
| Sequence Order | Prayer Type | Rak‘ahs | Legal Status & Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Before Fard | Sunnah Rawatib | 4 | Emphasized Sunnah (Mu’akkadah). Prepares the heart before the obligation. |
| 2. Main Prayer | Fard (Obligatory) | 4 | Mandatory upon every adult Muslim. Recited silently (Sirri). |
| 3. After Fard | Sunnah Rawatib | 2 | Emphasized Sunnah (Mu’akkadah) continuously practiced by the Prophet ﷺ. |
| 4. Optional Extra | Nafl / Mustahabb | 2 | Voluntary; fulfills the 4 Sunnah after Dhuhr virtue in Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi. |
• 10 Rak‘ahs Sequence: 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah (The standard Sunan al-Rawatib format).
• 12 Rak‘ahs Sequence: 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl (Commonly taught in South Asian and Hanafi traditions).
• The Core Fard: Exactly 4 Rak‘ahs.
What Time Is Dhuhr Prayer?
Dhuhr begins when the sun passes the meridian (its highest point in the sky), a moment called Zawāl (زوال).
Start of Dhuhr Time
Dhuhr does not begin at exact solar noon when the sun is directly overhead. It begins as soon as the sun tilts slightly toward the west and shadows begin to lengthen eastward.
End of Dhuhr Time
Dhuhr ends when Asr begins:
• Majority (Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali): When an object's shadow equals its length plus noon shadow.
• Hanafi Position: When the shadow reaches twice the object's length plus noon shadow.
The Immense Virtues of Dhuhr Sunnah (Sunan al-Rawatib)
1. A House in Paradise (12 Daily Sunnah Rak‘ahs)
Umm Habibah رضي الله عنها narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays twelve rak‘ahs during the day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four before Dhuhr, two after it, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr.”— Sahih Muslim (728) & Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi (415)
2. Protection from the Hellfire (4 Before & 4 After Dhuhr)
“Whoever preserves four rak‘ahs before Dhuhr and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden to the Fire.”— Sunan Abi Dawud (1269) & Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi (427, Hasan Sahih)
How to Pray Dhuhr Step by Step (4 Fard Rakats)
Dhuhr is a silent prayer (Salat Sirriyyah), meaning that the recitation in all four rak‘ahs is performed quietly (moving the tongue and lips without projecting the voice aloud).
First Rak‘ah
- • Takbirat al-Ihram: Stand facing the Qiblah with intention (Niyyah) in your heart, raise your hands to ears/shoulders, and say “Allahu Akbar”.
- • Recitation: Recite the opening dua (Thana / Istiftah), seek refuge with Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently, followed by an additional Surah or verses from the Qur’an.
- • Ruku‘ (Bowing): Say “Allahu Akbar”, bow with back flat, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azim” (Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent) 3 times.
- • Qiyam (Rising): Rise saying “Sami‘Allahu liman hamidah”, followed by “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd”.
- • Two Sujud (Prostrations): Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate with forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) 3 times. Sit briefly saying “Rabbighfir li”, then perform the second prostration.
Second Rak‘ah & First Tashahhud
- • Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar”.
- • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah silently + an additional short Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas or Al-Falaq).
- • Perform Ruku‘, rise, and perform two Sujud with the intermediate sitting.
- • First Tashahhud: After the second Sujud, remain seated and recite the Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu...). Stand up for the 3rd rak‘ah immediately after completing Tashahhud.
Third Rak‘ah
- • Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar”.
- • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah ONLY (in standard Fard prayers, no additional Surah is added in the 3rd and 4th rak‘ahs).
- • Perform Ruku‘, rise, and perform two Sujud. Stand up for the 4th rak‘ah.
Fourth Rak‘ah, Final Tashahhud & Tasleem
- • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah ONLY silently.
- • Perform Ruku‘, rise, and perform two Sujud.
- • Final Tashahhud & Durood: Remain seated. Recite the Tashahhud, followed by Salat Ibrahimiyyah (Durood Ibrahim), and an authentic concluding dua.
- • Tasleem: Turn your head to the right saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”, then turn to the left saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah”.
Step-by-Step Rakat Comparison Table
| Action | Rak‘ah 1 | Rak‘ah 2 | Rak‘ah 3 | Rak‘ah 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surah Al-Fatihah | ✓ (Silent) | ✓ (Silent) | ✓ (Silent) | ✓ (Silent) |
| Additional Surah | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Ruku‘ & 2 Sujud | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tashahhud Sitting | — | First Tashahhud | — | Final Tashahhud + Durood |
| Tasleem (Ending) | — | — | — | ✓ (Right & Left) |
Special Rulings: Travel, Friday, and Combining Prayers
Shortening in Travel (Qasr)
A qualifying traveler shortens the 4 Fard rak‘ahs to 2 rak‘ahs according to the Sunnah of Qasr (Qur’an 4:101).
Friday Prayer (Jumu‘ah)
On Friday, adult men attending the congregational Friday prayer pray 2 rak‘ahs of Jumu‘ah with the Khutbah, which completely replaces the 4 Fard rak‘ahs of Dhuhr.
Combining with Asr (Jam‘)
Under valid circumstances recognized in Islamic jurisprudence (such as journeying, torrential rain, or severe illness), Dhuhr and Asr may be combined in either early (Taqdim) or late (Ta’khir) timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dhuhr Prayer
How many rakats are in Dhuhr prayer? ▼
The obligatory Dhuhr prayer has 4 Fard rak‘ahs. When including the emphasized Sunnah prayers, the full prayer is 10 rak‘ahs (4 Sunnah before + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah after) or 12 rak‘ahs when adding 2 voluntary Nafl rak‘ahs.
Is Dhuhr recited silently or out loud? ▼
Dhuhr is a silent prayer (Sirri). In all four rak‘ahs, both the imam and individual worshippers recite Surah Al-Fatihah and additional verses silently, moving their lips and tongue without vocal projection.
Can women pray Dhuhr at home? ▼
Yes. Women perform the 4 Fard rak‘ahs (and Sunnah prayers) at home or wherever they are. On Fridays, women who do not attend Jumu‘ah at the mosque pray the normal 4 Fard rak‘ahs of Dhuhr at home.
What should I do if I miss Dhuhr prayer? ▼
If you miss Dhuhr due to sleep or forgetfulness, perform it as soon as you remember (Qada). If missed unintentionally, make it up immediately before or after the next prayer as per scholarly guidance, and strive to guard prayer times diligently.
Conclusion: Guarding the Midday Connection with Allah
Dhuhr prayer is our spiritual anchor in the busiest hours of the day. By stepping away from the rush of dunya to bow and prostrate before the Lord of the worlds, we renew our faith, purify our intentions, and remind ourselves that all sustenance, success, and peace originate from Allah alone.
حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ
“Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” (Qur’an 2:238)