The Duha Prayer is a special and voluntary act of worship performed between the time the sun rises fully above the horizon and just before it reaches its zenith. It offers Muslims an opportunity to connect with Allah during the calm and serene hours of the morning, away from the distractions of daily life. The prayer has been referred to by various names, including the “Prayer of the Repentant” (Salat al-Awwabeen) and “Ishraq Prayer,” reflecting its importance in nurturing the soul and maintaining closeness to Allah.
What Time Is Duha Prayer?
The time for performing the Duha Prayer begins once the sun has risen to the height of a spear, which is about 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise. The prayer continues to be valid until shortly before the midday prayer (Dhuhr), making it highly flexible for those who wish to incorporate it into their daily routine. However, the most rewarding time to offer Duha, according to Islamic teachings, is when the sun has risen higher and the heat becomes more intense. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The prayer of the repentant is when the young camels’ feet become scorched from the heat of the sand” (Muslim). This is around mid-morning when the sun is at its warmest.
How Many Rakats Are in Duha Prayer?
The Duha Prayer can be performed with as few as two rakats (units of prayer) or as many as eight, depending on the worshiper’s preference and available time. In one narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised his companions to perform at least two rakats: “My close friend [the Prophet] advised me to fast three days of each month, to pray two rakats of Duha, and to pray Witr before going to sleep” (Bukhari, Muslim). Some scholars recommend offering four, six, or even eight rakats for greater reward. Regardless of the number of rakats, it is essential to pray in sets of two, concluding each set with a Tashahhud and Salam.
How to Perform Duha Prayer
To perform the Duha Prayer, start with the intention of offering this voluntary act of worship. Then, follow the general structure of Islamic prayer: recite Surah al-Fatiha in each rakat, followed by any other surah of your choosing. It is recommended to recite Surah ash-Shams (The Sun) and Surah ad-Duha (The Morning Light), but any other verses from the Quran are acceptable. Complete the prayer by sitting for Tashahhud after two rakats and concluding with Salam.
What Is the Benefit of Praying Duha?
The Duha Prayer holds immense spiritual value. According to a hadith, it is said that performing just two rakats of Duha can substitute for 360 acts of charity, which correspond to the 360 joints in the human body. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this by saying, “Each morning, there is a charity due on every joint of the body, and performing two rakats of Duha suffices for this” (Muslim).
Beyond physical charity, Duha allows Muslims to express gratitude for the gift of movement, health, and well-being. The prayer itself is seen as a way to preserve one’s body from harm and invoke blessings throughout the day. Furthermore, performing eight rakats of Duha brings even greater rewards, providing a spiritual refuge and means of forgiveness for the worshiper.
Conclusion
The Duha Prayer is a beautiful and significant act of worship that enriches the spiritual journey of Muslims. By performing this prayer, especially at the recommended times, believers not only earn great rewards but also foster a deep sense of connection with Allah. Whether praying two or more rakats, Duha offers a moment of reflection, gratitude, and a means to seek forgiveness and blessings.