How to perform Zuhr or Dhuhr prayer? First of all, the Zuhr prayer is the second one of the five obligatory daily prayers, and it’s a significant part of a Muslim’s daily routine and is performed at the noon hour of the morning.
This guide will walk you through all the steps of performing Zuhr prayer, showing you the instructions and providing the most common questions related to Zuhr prayer.
In this article, we’ll explore and learn about the Zuhr prayer, including how to perform its 4 rak’ahs, starting from wudu, takbeer, and setting your intention, and then detail the steps included in each raka’ah in the Zuhr prayer. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
What Is Zuhr Prayer?
Zuhr Prayer is the second prayer of the five daily prayers in Islam and is performed at the noon hour after the sun has passed its zenith and before the Asr prayer. It consists of four Rak’ahs; two rakaats and then a middle tashahhud and then another two rakats.
To clarify the timing of Zuhr prayer, it is observed between the zenith and noon, so usually from 12:00 pm to 12:59 pm. It ends in the afternoon, once the Asr prayer begins.
How To Perform Dhuhr Prayer?
Here are the detailed actions required for the Dhuhr prayer, like stating your intention and positioning yourself towards the Qibla (Mecca direction) and the other additional steps:
1. Setting Your Intention (Niyyah)
Focus your mind, quiet your thoughts, and prepare yourself with a sincere intention in your heart to perform the Zuhr prayer.
2. Stand And Face The Qibla (Qiyam)
Stand facing the direction of Kaaba or Mecca, raise your hands to your earlobes, and say “Allahu Akbar” to start the first rakah.
3. The 1st Raka’h In Dhuhr Prayer
After you have prepared yourself by wudu, niyyah, and facing the Qibla. You can proceed right now with the first raka’h of the dhuhr prayer:
- Reciting Al-Fatiha And Another Portion Of Quran
By putting your hands folded over your chest (the right hand should be on the top), recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by any other short Surah from the Quran.
- Strat Bowing (Do Ruku)
Raise your hand again to your earlobes, bend at the waist, place your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
- Go Into Qiyam Again (Standing Up) After Ruku
Stand upright by raising your body and return to the standing position, saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” while your hand parallel to your earlobes.
Then say “Rabbana Wa Lakal Hamd” in a low voice.
- Go into first Sujud
Lower yourself to your knees, make your hands resting on the ground, and also with your forehead, nose, palms, and toes touching the ground.
Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
- Move into Jalsa position (Sitting between two Sujoods)
After you say Tasbeeh 3 times, say Takbir “Allahu Akbar” while you sit up in the Jalsa position, sit up on your heels and legs with your palms and toes resting on your knees.
Recite “Rabbighfirli”, (Oh Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, and provide for me).
- Return To 2nd Sujud
Say Takbir and lean forward into Sujud again, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
Stand to the Jalsa position, and recite “Rabbighfirli”, (Oh Allah, forgive me).
4. The 2nd Raka’h In Dhuhr Prayer
- Stand Up Straight To The 2nd Raka’h (Qiyam)
Move from the Jalsa position and say Takbir. Raise yourself to the standing position, and Repeat properly what you have done in the 1st Rakat.
- Reciting First Tashahhud
By following the previous steps and reaching the Jalsa position after the final sujud, raise the index finger of your right hand pointing it straight.
Start reciting the First Tashahhud (Middle Tashahhud) by saying:
“At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.”
Or
{All dominion and greatness are for Allah, and all the prayers and all good speech and action is for Him. Peace be upon you O Prophet, and likewise the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings. And peace be upon us, and upon the pious servants of Allah. I testify that there is none who has the right to be worshiped except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.}
5. Stand Up Straight To The 3rd Raka’h In Dhuhr Prayer
Perform what you did in the first Raka’h, but be careful to recite Surah Al-Fatiha ONLY, without any other part of the Quran.
6. Stand Up Straight To The 4th Raka’h In Dhuhr Prayer
This is the final raka’h in the Zuhr prayer. As the same, repeat what you did in the third Raka’h exactly, and complete it by reciting the Final Tashahhud.
7. Reciting Final Tashahhud
While you’re in the sitting position after the second sujood, raise the index finger of your right hand pointing it straight and say:
“At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadiw wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed.”
8. Finish The Prayer With The Taslim
After completing the Final Tashahhud, while you’re sitting, conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”, then do another turn to the left and repeat “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”.
How Do You Perform the Zuhr Sunnah Prayer?
For Dhuhr prayer you should pray two or four rak`ahs before the obligatory Zuhr prayer. As we explained for the Zuhr prayer regarding the composition of each raka’h, instead of performing 4 continuous rak’ahs, you will perform 2 rak’ahs followed by one taslim, and then perform another 2 rak’ahs with taslim.
The Sunnah prayers for Zuhr are considered as encouraged prayers that Prophet Muhammad consistently observed. These prayers are valued for the blessings they provide and for strengthening the believer’s connection with Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that whoever performs twelve units of prayer throughout the day and night will have a house built for them in Paradise, which includes the Sunnah prayers of Zuhr.
| Zuhr Prayer | Before | After |
| Two or four | Two |
How To Perform Dhuhr Prayer For Women?
For Dhuhr prayer, women should follow all the previously mentioned steps for performing the Dhuhr prayer. The only important thing to note is that there is a dress code to be followed for the Zuhr prayer and other obligatory prayers.
During prayers, both men and women must be covered during the prayer. Men should be clothed from the navel to the knee, while women should be covered from head to ankles except for their face and hands.
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Conclusion:
Performing the Zuhr prayer is a practice for your spiritual growth and staying present each day! By following the previous steps we shared, you should be more encouraging and engaging in the Zuhr prayer.
Remember, consistency and dedication are the keys to experiencing the full benefits of this important act of worship.
