How to pray Dhuhr

Dhuhr is the midday prayer, prayed after the sun begins to decline from its zenith. Dhuhr is prayed in the early afternoon, once the sun has passed its highest point.

Quick answer

• Rak’ahs (obligatory): 4 rak’ahs. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to complete the third and fourth, sit for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.
• Recitation: All four rak’ahs are recited silently.
• When: In the early afternoon, once the sun has passed its highest point.

Before you pray Dhuhr

• Be in a state of Wudu (ablution).
• Face the Qibla — the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Make sure you are within the time window for Dhuhr.

The sequence, step by step

Every rak’ah follows the same pattern — stand and recite, bow, and prostrate twice. For the full detail of each position and what to say, see the complete how to pray Salah guide. For Dhuhr specifically:

1. Make your intention for Dhuhr and begin with the opening takbir, Allahu akbar.
2. In each standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, then (in the first two rak’ahs) another short surah. All four rak’ahs are recited silently.
3. Bow (Ruku), then rise; prostrate (Sujud) twice, sitting briefly between them. That completes one rak’ah.
4. 4 rak’ahs. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to complete the third and fourth, sit for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.

The best way to learn the timing and flow is to practise it: Khatawa walks you through Dhuhr live, showing each posture with the words and recitation, and marking which parts are aloud and which are silent.

Frequently asked questions