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Dhuhr (Zuhr) Namaz (Salah) – Step by Step Beginners Guide

Dhuhr Namaz, also spelled Dhuhr or Zuhr prayer, is the second one of the five five mandatory daily prayers for Muslims. It is observed after the sun reaches its zenith. In Zuhr prayer, there are twelve rakats: first four Sunnat Mokadda, followed by four Fard, then two Sunnat Mokadda, and finally two Nafl, which are beneficial but not obligatory.

This prayer holds a special place in Islamic teachings, as it serves as a mid-day break, allowing individuals to pause their daily activities and turn to Allah (SWT) in devotion. 

If you’re new to Zuhr Namaz, or if you’re looking for a refresher, this simple guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perform it correctly and with sincerity.

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The Specific Time for Zuhr Namaz

Dhuhr prayer must be offered after the sun has passed its highest point in the sky, but before it begins to set towards the west. Depending on your location, this period typically starts around noon and continues until mid-afternoon.

To determine the exact time for Dhuhr in your area, you can consult a local mosque, prayer apps, or Islamic websites that provide prayer times based on geographical location. It’s essential to offer Zuhr within its designated time window, as praying at the correct time enhances the value of the prayer.

Preparing for Dhuhr Prayer

Before you begin Zuhr Namaz, it’s important to ensure that you are physically and spiritually prepared. In Islam, cleanliness is crucial, and that’s where the ritual of Wudu (ablution) comes in.

Performing Wudu (Ablution)

Wudu is a purification process that involves washing specific body parts, including the hands, mouth, face, arms, and feet. This ritual ensures that you are in a state of purity before standing in front of Allah (SWT).

Wearing Clean and Modest Clothing

Islam places emphasis on modesty and cleanliness. When preparing for any prayer, ensure that your clothes are clean and modest. For men, this typically means covering the body from the navel to the knees, while women should cover their entire body, except for the face and hands.

Finding a Suitable Place for Prayer

While praying in a mosque is highly recommended, especially for men, you can also perform Dhuhr at home or at work. The key is to find a clean and quiet space where you can focus without distractions. Lay down a prayer mat to ensure the area is clean, and face the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) before beginning your prayer.

How to Perform Zuhr Prayer 

The Zuhr prayer has 4 rakats, or units of prayer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform each rakat:

Rakat 1

  1. Niyyah (Intention): Start by making the intention in your heart that you are praying 4 rakats of Zuhr for Allah.
  2. Takbir: Raise both hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
  3. Qiyam (Standing):
    • Place your right hand over your left hand.
    • Recite Surah Al-Fatiha: Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim … Walad daalleen (Ameen).
    • Then, recite a short Surah, like Surah Al-Ikhlas: Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad….
  4. Ruku (Bowing):
    • Bend forward, placing your hands on your knees, and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great) 3 times.
  5. Qawmah (Standing up from Ruku):
    • Stand straight and say, “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You is all praise).
  6. Sujood (Prostration):
    • Go down into sujood (forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes touching the ground) and say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) 3 times.
  7. Jalsa (Sitting):
    • Sit up and say “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, forgive me).
  8. Second Sujood:
    • Repeat the sujood and say again “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” 3 times.

Rakat 2

  1. Qiyam (Standing up for the second rakat):
    • Stand up and recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another short Surah (like you did in the first rakat).
  2. Ruku: Bow again and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” 3 times.
  3. Qawmah: Stand up and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd”.
  4. Sujood: Perform the sujood twice, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” 3 times in each.
  5. Tashahhud (Sitting position):
    • After the second sujood, sit and recite Tashahhud: Attahiyat lillahi wa salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuha’n-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘alaa ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu
    • If this is the second rakat of a 4-rakat prayer, don’t end with salam yet—stand up for the third rakat

Rakat 3

  1. Qiyam (Standing): Stand up and recite only Surah Al-Fatiha (no short Surah after it in the third rakat).
  2. Ruku: Bow and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” 3 times.
  3. Qawmah: Stand up and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd”.
  4. Sujood: Perform the two sujoods, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” 3 times in each.

Rakat 4

  1. Qiyam (Standing): Stand up again and recite Surah Al-Fatiha only (no short Surah).
  2. Ruku: Bow and say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” 3 times.
  3. Qawmah: Stand up and say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” and “Rabbana lakal hamd”.
  4. Sujood: Perform the two sujoods, saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la“ 3 times in each.
  5. Tashahhud (Final Sitting):
    • After the second sujood, sit and recite Tashahhud and then continue with: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin Wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin Kama barakta ‘ ala Ibrahima Wa ‘ ala ali Ibrahima Fil a’lamina Innaka hamidun Majid.” (This is called Durood or Salawat).
    • After this, recite the Dua: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan….
  6. Tasleem (Ending the Prayer):
    • Turn your head to the right and say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
    • Turn your head to the left and say the same.

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Benefits of Praying Zuhr on Time

Praying Dhuhr on time has many spiritual and physical benefits. It allows you to maintain a strong connection with Allah And gives you a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day. Regularly praying Dhuhr helps boost your mindfulness and discipline.

The Impact of Dhuhr Prayer on Daily Life

The Dhuhr prayer strengthens your spiritual bond with Allah SWT and reminds you of the bigger picture in life. It offers a moment to reflect on your actions and renew your intentions, boosting your mental clarity and focus.

Zuhr Prayer for Women

Women are required to perform Zuhr in the same manner as men, with the addition of ensuring modest dress. A hijab or covering should be worn during prayer, and women can pray at home or in the mosque.

Dhuhr Prayer for Children

Encouraging young children to start praying Dhuhr from an early age helps instill good habits. Start by teaching them the basics of the prayer, and gradually increase their involvement as they grow older.

How to Catch Missed Dhuhr Prayers

If you happen to miss Zuhr due to unforeseen circumstances, you should perform Qada (makeup) prayers as soon as possible. This ensures that you still fulfill your obligation, even if it wasn’t done on time.

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