Explanation of Dhuhr Prayer, Dhuhr Rakats, Dhikr, and Dua: A Complete Guide
Welcome, Readers! Are you searching for a detailed explanation of Dhuhr prayer, its rakats, the dhikr after Dhuhr, and dua? If your answer is "Yes," then congratulations! You are reading the right article. Why? Because this article will comprehensively explain these aspects. As Muslims, it is crucial to understand them. That's why I wrote this guide. So, make sure to read it until the end!
This article will focus on five key points about Dhuhr prayer, Dhuhr rakats, dhikr, and dua. These points are:
- What is Dhuhr Prayer?
- Hadith about Dhuhr Prayer and Its Timing
- How Many Rakats Are in Dhuhr Prayer?
- How to Pray Dhuhr?
- Recommended Dhikr and Dua After Dhuhr
Let's dive in.
What Is Dhuhr Prayer?
The first key point we'll discuss is "What is Dhuhr prayer?" Understanding this is essential, as it is one of the fundamental obligations in Islam.
In general, Dhuhr prayer is one of the five obligatory prayers (Salat) that every mature Muslim must perform daily, provided there are no legitimate reasons to exempt them. Missing Dhuhr prayer intentionally is considered a sin in Islam.
How to Combine Dhuhr and Asr?
The Dhuhr prayer must be performed after the sun begins to decline from its zenith towards the west. This specific time marks the start of Dhuhr prayer. Below is a relevant hadith that explains this:
Hadith About Dhuhr Prayer and Its Timing
عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ ، قَالَ لَمَّا قَدِمَ الْحَجَّاجُ الْمَدِينَةَ فَسَأَلْنَا جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُصَلِّي الظُّهْرَ بِالْهَاجِرَةِ وَالْعَصْرَ وَالشَّمْسُ نَقِيَّةٌ وَالْمَغْرِبَ إِذَا وَجَبَتْ وَالْعِشَاءَ أَحْيَانًا يُؤَخِّرُهَا وَأَحْيَانًا يُعَجِّلُ كَانَ إِذَا رَآهُمْ قَدِ اجْتَمَعُوا عَجَّلَ وَإِذَا رَآهُمْ قَدْ أَبْطَئُوا أَخَّرَ وَالصُّبْحَ كَانُوا أَوْ - قَالَ - كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُصَلِّيهَا بِغَلَسٍ
From Muhammad bin Amr bin al-Hasan bin Ali: When Hajjaj came to Medina we asked Jabir bin Abdullah (about the timings of prayer as observed by the Holy Prophet). He said: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to pray afternoon prayer in the midday heat; the afternoon prayer when the sun was bright; the evening prayer when the sun had completely set; and as for the night prayer, he sometimes delayed and sometimes (observed it) at earlier hours. When he found them (his Companions) assembled (at earlier hours) he (prayed) early. and when he saw them coming late, he delayed the (prayer). and the morning prayer the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam observed in the darkness before dawn.
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو ، أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ : وَقْتُ الظُّهْرِ إِذَا زَالَتِ الشَّمْسُ وَكَانَ ظِلُّ الرَّجُلِ كَطُولِهِ مَا لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الْعَصْرُ وَوَقْتُ الْعَصْرِ مَا لَمْ تَصْفَرَّ الشَّمْسُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ مَا لَمْ يَغِبِ الشَّفَقُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ إِلَى نِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ الأَوْسَطِ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ مِنْ طُلُوعِ الْفَجْرِ مَا لَمْ تَطْلُعِ الشَّمْسُ فَإِذَا طَلَعَتِ الشَّمْسُ فَأَمْسِكْ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّهَا تَطْلُعُ بَيْنَ قَرْنَىْ شَيْطَانٍ
From Abdullah bin Amr reported, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: The time of the noon prayer is when the sun passes the meridian and a man's shadow is the same (length) as his height, (and it lasts) as long as the time for the afternoon prayer has not come; the time for the afternoon prayer is as long as the sun has not become pale; the time of the evening prayer is as long as the twilight has not ended; the time of the night prayer is up to the middle of the average night and the time of the morning prayer is from the appearance of dawn, as long as the sun has not risen; but when the sun rises, refrain from prayer for it rises between the horns of the devil.
Understanding the time and significance of Dhuhr is critical for all Muslims.
How Many Rakats Are in Dhuhr Prayer?
The second key point is: How many rakats are in Dhuhr prayer? Knowing this is important, as it is a common question among Muslims.
In general, Dhuhr prayer consists of four obligatory rakats (units of prayer). Performing these four rakats is mandatory for every Muslim during the prescribed time.
Below is a hadith that confirms the number of rakats in Dhuhr prayer:
Hadith About Rakats in Dhuhr Prayer
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ زَوْجِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَتْ كَانَ أَوَّلَ مَا افْتُرِضَ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الصَّلَاةُ رَكْعَتَانِ رَكْعَتَانِ إِلَّا الْمَغْرِبَ فَإِنَّهَا كَانَتْ ثَلَاثًا ثُمَّ أَتَمَّ اللَّهُ الظُّهْرَ وَالْعَصْرَ وَالْعِشَاءَ الْآخِرَةَ أَرْبَعًا فِي الْحَضَرِ وَأَقَرَّ الصَّلَاةَ عَلَى فَرْضِهَا الْأَوَّلِ فِي السَّفَرِ
From Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, she said: Among that which was obligated on Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was Salat which was two Rakat two Rakat except for Maghrib which was three, and then Allah made Dhuhr Asr and Isha four while one is not Traveling, and made it the same as it was obligated the first time while Traveling (meaning Two Rak'at).
This hadith clearly explains that Dhuhr prayer comprises four rakats.
How to Pray Dhuhr?
The third key point is: How to perform Dhuhr prayer? Here are the steps you must follow:
Purify Yourself
Perform wudu (ablution) to cleanse yourself of minor impurities. If required, perform ghusl for major impurities.
State Your Intention (Niyyah)
Before starting the prayer, make the following intention in your heart or recite it aloud:
أُصَلِّي فَرْضَ الظُّهْرِ أَرْبَعَ رَكَعَاتٍ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةِ أَدَاءً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
I intend to perform the obligatory Dhuhr prayer of four rakats, facing the Qiblah, for the sake of Allah Taala.
Perform the Movements and Recitations
Follow these steps during each rakat:
- Begin with Takbiratul Ihram (raising your hands and saying "Allahu Akbar").
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and an additional chapter or verses from the Quran.
- Perform Ruku' (bowing), followed by I'tidal (standing straight).
- Perform Sujud (prostration) twice, with Jalsa (sitting) in between.
- In the final rakat, recite the Tashahhud and conclude with Salam (turning your head to the right and left, saying "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah").
This is a brief outline of how to perform the Dhuhr prayer.
Recommended Dhikr and Dua After Dhuhr
After completing the Dhuhr prayer, it is recommended to engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and dua (supplication). Below are some common practices:
Tasbih (Glorification of Allah)
Recite the following:
- SubhanAllah (33 times)
- Alhamdulillah (33 times)
- Allahu Akbar (34 times)
Ayat Al-Kursi (Verse of the Throne)
Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi after prayer is highly virtuous.
Dua
Supplicate to Allah for your needs, guidance, and forgiveness. A common dua is:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Conclusion
Understanding and performing Dhuhr prayer correctly is essential for every Muslim. This article has explained the key aspects of Dhuhr, including its definition, timing, number of rakats, the method of performing it, and recommended dhikr and dua. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Dhuhr prayer is performed in accordance with Islamic teachings.
May Allah guide us all to perform our prayers with sincerity and devotion. Ameen.
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