10 Easy Steps on How to Pray Dhuhr Namaz

For Muslims, prayer is obligatory and one of the most significant pillars of their faith. Among the five daily prayers, the Dhuhr prayer is performed in the afternoon, specifically after the sun passes its zenith and before the time of Asr begins. Perfoming Dhuhr prayer correctly is essential in fulfilling one’s religious duty. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in performing Dhuhr Namaz, from pre-prayer preparations to the concluding supplications.

Before initiating the prayer, it is essential to establish purity through ablution, known as Wudu. Wudu involves washing specific parts of the body, including the face, arms, and feet, with the intention of cleansing oneself for prayer. Once purification is complete, Muslims should find a clean and quiet place to pray, facing the direction of the Qibla, which is towards the Kaaba in Mecca. As a prerequisite to the Dhuhr prayer, four units of Sunnah prayer, known as the Sunnah Muakkadah, are highly recommended. These Sunnah prayers offer additional blessings and prepare the soul for the obligatory Dhuhr prayer.

The Dhuhr Namaz itself consists of four mandatory units, known as Raka’at. Each Raka’at comprises several components, including standing, bowing, prostration, and concluding with sitting in a position called Tashahhud. During the standing position, Muslims recite the opening Takbir, followed by reciting specific verses from the Quran, including Surah Fatiha and other verses. In the bowing position, the worshiper glorifies Allah by saying “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” three times. The prostration involves touching the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes to the ground while uttering “Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala” three times. Finally, in the sitting position, Muslims recite the Tashahhud, followed by supplications seeking forgiveness, blessings, and peace.

Entering the Prayer State (Niyyah)

Niyyah is the intention to perform a specific prayer. It is essential to make niyyah before starting the prayer, and it can be done verbally or mentally. To make niyyah verbally, say the following words: “I intend to pray the Dhuhr prayer, two rak’ahs, facing the Qiblah, for the sake of Allah.” If you are making niyyah mentally, simply think about the intention to pray the Dhuhr prayer.

Niyyah is a very important part of the prayer, and it must be made with sincerity and devotion. If you do not make niyyah, your prayer will not be valid.

Steps for Making Niyyah

Step	Action
1	Stand facing the Qiblah.
2	Raise your hands to your ears, with your palms facing the Qiblah.
3	Say the words of niyyah (either verbally or mentally).
4	Lower your hands to your sides.

Takbeer-e-Tahrima (Raising the Hands)

The Takbeer-e-Tahrima, or the opening Takbeer, marks the commencement of the Dhuhr prayer. Perform the following steps:

Stand facing the Qibla (direction of Mecca).
Raise your hands to your ears, with your palms facing forward.
Using a loud and clear voice, utter the opening Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar.”

The Takbeer-e-Tahrima is an essential element that signals the beginning of the prayer. It indicates your intention to worship Allah and sets you into a state of ritual purity.

While reciting the Takbeer-e-Tahrima, focus your heart and mind on the greatness and majesty of Allah. It is a moment of solemn connection and the gateway to establishing a meaningful prayer experience.

Recitation of Fatiha and Surahs

When it comes to the recitation of Fatiha and Surahs, there are specific guidelines to follow for Dhuhr Namaz:

1. Fatiha (Opening Chapter)

Begin by reciting Surah Fatiha, which is mandatory for every Rak’ah. It is the first chapter of the Quran and holds immense importance.

2. Surah After Fatiha

After Fatiha, recite any other Surah from the Quran. The recommended Surahs are shorter ones like Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, or Surah Nas.

3. Ruk’u and Sajdah

After reciting the Surah, proceed with Ruk’u (bowing) and Sajdah (prostration). During Ruk’u, recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (Glory to my Lord, the Magnificent) three times. In Sajdah, recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Ala” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) three times.

4. Sequence of Surahs

The sequence of Surahs recited in each Rak’ah differs:

Rak’ah	Sequence
1st	Fatiha + Surah Ikhlas
2nd	Fatiha + Surah Falaq
3rd	Fatiha + Surah Nas
4th	Fatiha + Any other short Surah (optional)

Note: The fourth Rak’ah is optional, but if performed, it follows the same sequence as the third Rak’ah.

Ruku (Bowing)

After completing the Qiyam, the next step in Dhuhr Namaz is Ruku (bowing). Here’s how to perform Ruku:

Niyyah: Say the intention in your heart to perform the Ruku.
Takbir: Raise your hands to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" or "Allahu Ahad."
Bend Forward: Bend your body forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
Place Hands: Place your hands on your knees, with your fingers spread wide.

Recite: Recite the following verses in the Ruku position:

Verse	Translation
Subhaana Rabbiyal `Adheem	Glory be to my Lord, the Great
Subhaana Rabbiyal A’laa	Glory be to my Lord, the Most High
Subhaanaka allahuma rabana	Glory be to You, O Allah our Lord
Wabihamdika	And praise is for You
`Allahumaghfir lee	O Allah, forgive me

Stay in Ruku: Remain in Ruku for 3-5 seconds, engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) or reciting additional supplications.
Rise: Slowly raise your body back to standing position, saying "Sami Allahu liman hamidah."

Sujud (Prostration)

Sujud, the act of prostrating before Allah, is a crucial part of Dhuhr Namaz. It involves bowing down with one’s forehead touching the ground, demonstrating humility and submission to Allah.

Steps for Performing Sujud:

1. Place hands on knees.

2. Touch forehead to the ground.

3. Keep elbows off the ground.

4. Keep nose and chin on the ground.

5. Recite “Subhana rabbiyal A’la” thrice.

6. Stay in sujud for a moment.

Tips for Maintaining Proper Sujud:

Incorrect	Correct
Elbows touching ground	Elbows off ground
Forehead not touching ground	Forehead on ground
Chin not on ground	Chin on ground

By performing sujud correctly, Muslims express their utmost reverence and servitude to Allah, acknowledging His greatness and seeking His blessings and guidance.

Sitting Between Prostrations (Jalsa)

The sitting between prostrations (Jalsa) is a crucial position in Dhuhr Namaz. It follows the first prostration, and your body posture should be as follows:

Sit down on your left foot, with your toes pointing towards the Qibla and your right foot folded beneath your right thigh.
Place your hands on your thighs, with your right hand on top of your left hand.
Maintain an upright posture, with your head and neck straight.
Look straight ahead, focusing on a spot about a meter in front of you.
Recite the following supplication:

Arabic	Transliteration	Meaning
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي	Rabbi ighfir lee	My Lord, forgive me

Repeat the supplication three times.
End the Jalsa by going into the second prostration.

Tashahhud and Salutations

After the third sujood, rise to the sitting position for Tashahhud. Tashahhud is the recitation of the following words: “At-Tahiyatul lillah-is-salawatu wat-tayyibat.” It means, “All compliments, prayers, and good words belong to Allah.”

After Tashahhud, recite the following supplications:

1. “Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama salayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim. Wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim. Fil ‘alameena, innaka hamidun majid” (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad as you sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the followers of Ibrahim. And grant blessings upon Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad as you have granted blessings upon Ibrahim and the followers of Ibrahim. In all the worlds. Surely, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious).

2. “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you)
while turning your head to the right and then to the left.

This completes the Dhuhr Namaz.

How To Pray Dhuhr Namaz

Dhuhr prayer is one of the five obligatory prayers in Islam, and is prayed during the afternoon. The time for Dhuhr prayer begins when the sun has passed its zenith and ends when the shadow of an object is equal to its length plus the length of its shadow at sunrise. Dhuhr prayer consists of four rak’ahs, which are units of prayer.

To pray Dhuhr namaz, follow these steps:

Make sure you are in a state of purity by performing wudu.
Face the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca.
Raise your hands to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great).
Recite Surah al-Fatihah and any other surahs you wish.
Bow down by placing your hands on your knees and saying, “Allahu Akbar.”
Stand up straight and say, “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (God hears those who praise Him).
Prostrate by placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground and saying, “Allahu Akbar.”
Sit up and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
Prostrate again as in step 7.
Sit up and say, “Allahu Akbar.”
Turn your head to the right and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and blessings of God be upon you).
Turn your head to the left and say, “Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and blessings of God be upon you).