How to Perform the Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer: A Complete Guide
The Dhuhr prayer, also known as the Noon prayer, is one of the five daily obligatory prayers in Islam. It is performed after the sun has passed its zenith, marking the start of midday, and before the time for the Asr (afternoon) prayer begins. The Dhuhr prayer is a significant aspect of the Muslim faith, offering a moment for reflection, connection with Allah, and fulfillment of a religious duty.
This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to perform the Dhuhr prayer, including its significance, the proper method of performing it, and the various rituals involved.
The Significance of Dhuhr Prayer
The Dhuhr prayer is the second of the five obligatory prayers (Salah) that Muslims perform each day. Its importance is emphasized by several sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which highlight the significance of regular prayer in establishing a closer relationship with Allah.
For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever performs the Dhuhr prayer on time will be rewarded with paradise.” This hadith underscores the immense spiritual benefits of the prayer, making it an essential component of a Muslim’s daily routine.
Conditions for Performing Dhuhr Prayer
Before performing the Dhuhr prayer, it is necessary to ensure that certain conditions are met. These conditions are as follows:
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Purity (Taharah): The person performing the prayer must be in a state of ritual purity, which is achieved by performing Wudu (ablution). If one has become impure (e.g., through using the restroom or sleeping), they must perform Wudu before starting the prayer.
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Covering the Awrah: The awrah, which refers to the parts of the body that must be covered during prayer, should be properly covered. For men, this includes covering from the navel to the knee, while for women, the entire body, except for the face and hands, should be covered.
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Direction of the Qiblah: The individual must face the Ka’bah in Mecca while performing the prayer. This direction is known as the Qiblah, and facing it is a prerequisite for the prayer to be valid.
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Time of Prayer: The Dhuhr prayer should be performed during the designated time, which begins after the sun passes its zenith and ends just before the Asr prayer time begins.
The Steps of Performing the Dhuhr Prayer
The Dhuhr prayer consists of four Rak‘ahs (units of prayer), each with a series of prescribed physical movements and recitations. Below is a detailed explanation of how to perform the Dhuhr prayer.
1. Intention (Niyyah)
Before beginning the prayer, it is essential to make the intention (niyyah) in your heart. The intention is a declaration in your heart that you are performing the Dhuhr prayer for the sake of Allah. It does not need to be verbally spoken, but it must be present in your heart.
2. Standing (Qiyam)
Once the intention is made, the prayer begins with standing (qiyam). Stand upright, facing the Qiblah, and raise your hands (known as Takbir) saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This marks the beginning of the prayer. Place your hands on your chest, with the right hand resting on the left hand.
During Qiyam, the follower should recite the opening supplication “Subhana ka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarak asmuka, wa ta‘aala jadduka, wa la ilaaha ghayruka” (Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise be to You, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no god but You).
3. Recitation of Al-Fatiha
After the initial Takbir, the first Surah (chapter) of the Qur’an, Al-Fatiha (The Opening), is recited. This Surah is a fundamental part of every Rak‘ah and is recited by the person leading the prayer (Imam) and the congregation. For individual prayer, it should be recited aloud during the first two Rak’ahs.
The Surah goes as follows:
“Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem. Alhamdulillah ir-Rabbil Alameen. Ar-Rahman ir-Raheem. Maliki yawm id-Deen. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een. Ihdinas-siratal mustaqeem. Siratal ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim walad daaleen.”
(“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who are lost.”)
4. Recitation of Another Surah or Verses
After Al-Fatiha, it is customary to recite another Surah or a few verses from the Qur’an in each Rak‘ah. This can be any Surah, but traditionally, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas are commonly recited. The recitation should be done quietly during individual prayer, while the Imam recites aloud in congregational prayers.
5. Ruku’ (Bowing)
After the recitation of the Surah, the individual moves into the bowing position, known as ruku’. In this position, the back should be straight, and the hands should rest on the knees, with the head and back aligned horizontally. During ruku’, the following is recited:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Almighty).
This phrase is repeated three times, though it can be recited more if preferred.
6. Standing Again (I’tidal)
After bowing, the individual returns to a standing position, saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd” (Allah hears the one who praises Him, Our Lord, to You is due all praise). In this position, the body should be upright with the hands at the sides, and the gaze should be forward.
7. Prostration (Sujood)
Next, the individual moves into the prostration (sujood) position. The forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and all ten toes should touch the ground. In sujood, the individual says:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High).
This phrase is repeated at least three times, though it can be repeated more if desired. The prostration symbolizes the utmost humility and submission before Allah.
8. Sitting (Jalsa)
After the first sujood, the person rises into a sitting position, with the left foot placed flat on the ground and the right foot upright, pointing towards the Qiblah. The hands should rest on the thighs. In this position, the following is recited:
“Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me, My Lord, forgive me).
9. Second Prostration (Sujood)
The individual then returns to the prostration position, repeating the same supplications as before. This marks the completion of one Rak’ah.
10. Repetition of Rak’ahs
The entire process is repeated for the remaining three Rak’ahs. After the second Rak’ah, there is a sitting position (Tashahhud) after the second prostration. The individual recites:
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhal-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ibadillahi as-salihin. Ashhadu alla ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluh.”
(“All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”)
In the final Rak’ah, after the Tashahhud, the individual recites the Tasleem to conclude the prayer:
“Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Conclusion
Performing the Dhuhr prayer involves a series of actions and recitations that require attentiveness and sincerity. Each movement and recitation is a way to demonstrate submission to Allah and to strengthen the bond between the worshiper and their Creator. The Dhuhr prayer is not just an obligation but an opportunity for spiritual growth, reflection, and connection with the divine. By performing it with mindfulness and sincerity, Muslims can earn Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.