How To Perform Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer

Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer is one of the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam, performed in the midday when the sun has passed its zenith. It is a moment to pause from worldly tasks, renew one’s devotion to Allah, and find spiritual tranquility. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through each step of the Dhuhr Prayer—from the intention and ablution to the standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostration (Sujud), and final sitting (Tashahhud). All explanations are based on authentic Islamic sources, including Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Tirmidhi, Imam al-Ghazali, Abu Hanifa, and Riyad as-Salihin.

Dhuhr Prayer consists of four obligatory (fard) rak’ahs. However, there are also Sunnah (non-obligatory) units before and after these four obligatory rak’ahs. The prayer is not merely a set of physical movements; it is a deeply spiritual act. Each posture and each supplication reflects the believer’s sincere devotion and reverence toward Allah.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This article focuses on the step-by-step performance of the four obligatory rak’ahs of Dhuhr, with additional notes on the recommended (Sunnah) prayers.

Ablution (Wudu) and Preparation

Before praying, one must perform ablution (wudu). This act purifies both body and soul. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Wudu is half of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Steps of Wudu

Intention (Niyyah):
Make the intention in your heart: “I am performing wudu for the sake of Allah.”
Washing the Hands:
Wash the hands up to the wrists three times.
Rinsing the Mouth and Nose:
Rinse the mouth three times, then gently sniff water into the nostrils and blow it out three times.
Washing the Face:
Wash the face from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear, three times.
Washing the Arms:
Wash the right arm and then the left arm, from the fingertips up to and including the elbows, three times each.
Wiping the Head:
Pass wet hands over the head once.
Cleaning the Ears:
Wipe inside and behind the ears with the wet fingers.
Washing the Feet:
Wash both feet up to and including the ankles, three times each, starting with the right foot.

Once wudu is completed, the worshipper is physically and spiritually ready to perform Dhuhr Prayer.

The Number of Rak’ahs in Dhuhr Prayer

Dhuhr Prayer comprises four obligatory (fard) rak’ahs. Additionally:

Before the obligatory prayer: Four rak’ahs of Sunnah
After the obligatory prayer: Two or four rak’ahs of Sunnah (two rak’ahs are strongly recommended)

Below, we will detail how to perform the four fard rak’ahs of Dhuhr.

Intention and Takbir

Start the prayer by silently making the intention in your heart: “I intend to perform four rak’ahs of Dhuhr Prayer for the sake of Allah.” Sincerity in intention is the essence of worship.

Next, raise your hands to shoulder or ear level and say the opening Takbir:

الله أكبر

Transliteration: Allahu Akbar

Meaning: Allah is the Greatest.

With this declaration, the prayer begins.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Qiyam: Standing and Recitation

1. The Standing Posture

In Qiyam, stand upright with your gaze directed at the spot where your forehead will rest during prostration. Depending on your school of thought (madhhab), you may fold your hands below the navel (Hanafi) or at chest level (Shafi’i).
(Abu Hanifa, Risale-i Fıkh)

2. Recitation of Al-Fatihah and a Short Surah

In the first rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah with humility and focus:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Transliteration: Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Meaning: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Transliteration: Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin

Meaning: All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

… and continue until the end of Surah Al-Fatihah. After finishing, say “Ameen” silently.

Then recite a short surah or a few verses, such as Surah Al-Ikhlas or Surah Al-Kawthar.
(Sahih Muslim)

Ruku: Bowing in Submission

After the recitation, say “Allahu Akbar” and bend forward into Ruku.

Posture in Ruku

Keep your back straight and parallel to the ground.
Place your hands on your knees.
Keep your head aligned with your back.

Supplication in Ruku

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

Transliteration: Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Azim

Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great.

Recite this three or more times, contemplating Allah’s greatness.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Rising from Ruku

Rise to a standing position, saying:

سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ

Transliteration: Sami’Allahu liman hamidah

Meaning: Allah hears whoever praises Him.

Then recite:

رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ

Transliteration: Rabbana wa lakal-hamd

Meaning: Our Lord, and to You belongs all praise.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Sujud: Prostration in Complete Devotion

Next, say “Allahu Akbar” and move into Sujud (prostration).

The Sujud Posture

Forehead and nose rest on the ground.
Palms placed on the ground near the shoulders.
Knees and toes also touch the ground.
Keep your arms slightly away from your sides.

Supplication in Sujud

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى

Transliteration: Subhana Rabbiyal A’la

Meaning: Glory be to my Lord, the Most High.

Recite this at least three times. Sujud is considered the closest position to Allah, a moment of profound humility and devotion.
(Tirmidhi)

Sitting between the Two Sujuds

After the first Sujud, say “Allahu Akbar” and sit briefly, often reciting:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي

Transliteration: Rabbi-ghfir li

Meaning: My Lord, forgive me.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Then perform the second Sujud in the same manner.

Second Rak’ah and the First Tashahhud (Sitting)

Upon completing two rak’ahs (each with Qiyam, Ruku, and two Sujuds), you sit for Tashahhud if the prayer has more than two rak’ahs.

Reciting At-Tahiyyat

التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات

Transliteration: At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat

Meaning: All greetings, prayers, and good words are for Allah.

السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته

Transliteration: As-salamu alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Meaning: Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين

Transliteration: As-salamu alayna wa ala ibadillahis-salihin

Meaning: Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

If you are performing four rak’ahs, you stand up after the Tashahhud to begin the third rak’ah.

Third and Fourth Rak’ahs

Dhuhr Prayer consists of four fard rak’ahs. In the third and fourth rak’ahs, you typically recite Surah Al-Fatihah again, and you may either follow it with a short surah (depending on your madhhab) or only recite Al-Fatihah.
(Abu Hanifa, Risale-i Fıkh)

After completing the Qiyam, Ruku, and two Sujuds in the fourth rak’ah, you sit for the final Tashahhud.

Final Tashahhud and Salutations

During the final sitting, again recite At-Tahiyyat, followed by:

Allahumma salli and Allahumma barik prayers, sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family.
(Riyad as-Salihin)

For example:

اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد

Transliteration: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad

Meaning: O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.

اللهم بارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد

Transliteration: Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad

Meaning: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

Ending the Prayer with Salam

Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله

Transliteration: As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah

Meaning: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.

These final greetings mark the end of the prayer. In congregational prayer, this also signifies greeting fellow worshippers on either side.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Post-Prayer Supplications and Remembrance

After completing Dhuhr Prayer, it is highly recommended to make personal supplications (du’a) and engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that these remembrances illuminate the heart.
(Tirmidhi)

An example of a post-prayer supplication is:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar

Meaning: Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Additionally, saying Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah) 33 times, and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 34 times is highly encouraged.
(Sahih Muslim)

Significance of Dhuhr Prayer in Daily Life

Dhuhr Prayer serves as a spiritual break during the day, helping one momentarily detach from worldly concerns and refocus on Allah. This discipline underscores the importance of time and structure in a Muslim’s life. Regularly performing Dhuhr on time nurtures consistency, devotion, and the awareness that every moment is a gift from Allah.

Congregational Prayer and Community

Praying Dhuhr in congregation fosters unity and brotherhood among Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that prayer in congregation is 27 times more rewarding than prayer alone.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Gathering for Dhuhr, even briefly, reinforces community bonds, promotes harmony, and elevates the collective spirituality.

Conclusion

Dhuhr Prayer, performed at midday, is a chance to renew your faith, cleanse your heart, and remember Allah in the midst of daily responsibilities. From ablution and intention to Qiyam, Ruku, Sujud, and the final Tashahhud, each step is guided by humility and devotion. This article has outlined the four obligatory rak’ahs with references to authentic sources (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Tirmidhi, Imam al-Ghazali, Abu Hanifa, Riyad as-Salihin).

By performing Dhuhr with sincerity and attentiveness, a believer experiences inner peace and a sense of spiritual rejuvenation. May every prostration bring you closer to Allah, and may the discipline of timely prayer bring blessings to both your worldly and spiritual endeavors.

References

Sahih al-Bukhari
Sahih Muslim
Tirmidhi, Ilm and Adab
Imam al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din
Abu Hanifa, Risale-i Fıkh
Riyad as-Salihin

May this guide help you perform Dhuhr Prayer with humility and devotion. Remember, prayer is not just a physical ritual—it is a profound expression of the heart’s love and reverence for Allah.