Duha prayer, also known as Salat al-Duha, is a voluntary (sunnah) prayer performed in the morning after the sun has fully risen and before the Dhuhr prayer. It is highly recommended in Islam as a means of seeking blessings, forgiveness, and sustenance from Allah.
The Timing of Duha Prayer
The ideal time for Duha prayer is:
✅ After sunrise (about 15-20 minutes later) – This is known as Ishraq time and performing prayer at this time carries special rewards.
✅ Before Dhuhr prayer – The latest time to pray Duha is just before the sun reaches its zenith.
The best time to perform Duha prayer is during the late morning when the sun is high and its heat is felt.
Number of Rak'ahs in Duha Prayer
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not specify a fixed number of rak'ahs for Duha prayer. However, based on various hadiths, scholars recommend:
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Minimum: 2 rak'ahs
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Recommended: 4 rak'ahs
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Maximum: 8 to 12 rak'ahs
The Virtues of Duha Prayer
Duha prayer holds many spiritual and worldly benefits, as mentioned in several hadiths:
1. Equivalent to Charity for the Body
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Each morning, charity is due on every joint of your body. Every tasbih (saying SubhanAllah) is charity, every tahmid (saying Alhamdulillah) is charity, every tahlil (saying La ilaha illa Allah) is charity, and every takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) is charity. Commanding good is charity, and forbidding evil is charity. And all this is fulfilled through praying two rak'ahs of Duha."
(Sahih Muslim, 720)
2. Brings Sustenance and Forgiveness
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
"Whoever prays Duha prayer will have his sins forgiven, even if they are as abundant as the foam of the sea."
(Tirmidhi, 476)
3. A Special Reward for Those Who Pray Duha Daily
The Prophet ﷺ promised:
"Whoever prays Duha prayer consistently will have a house built for him in Jannah."
(Tabarani)
How to Perform Duha Prayer
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Make the intention (niyyah) in your heart.
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Pray at least 2 rak'ahs (or more, up to 12).
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Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah in each rak'ah.
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Complete the prayer with Tasleem (Salam).
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Make dua asking for sustenance and blessings.
Dua After Duha Prayer
It is highly recommended to recite the following supplication after Duha prayer:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّ الضُّحَى ضَحَاؤُكَ، وَالبَهَاءَ بَهَاؤُكَ، وَالجَمَالَ جَمَالُكَ، وَالقُوَّةَ قُوَّتُكَ، وَالقُدْرَةَ قُدْرَتُكَ، وَالعِصْمَةَ عِصْمَتُكَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كَانَ رِزْقِي فِي السَّمَاءِ فَأَنْزِلْهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَ فِي الأَرْضِ فَأَخْرِجْهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَ مُعَسِّرًا فَيَسِّرْهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَ حَرَامًا فَطَهِّرْهُ، وَإِنْ كَانَ بَعِيدًا فَقَرِّبْهُ، بِحَقِّ ضُحَائِكَ وَبَهَائِكَ وَجَمَالِكَ وَقُوَّتِكَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ، آتِنِي مَا آتَيْتَ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Translation:
"O Allah, the time of Duha is Your Duha, the beauty is Your beauty, the majesty is Your majesty, the strength is Your strength, the power is Your power, and the protection is Your protection. O Allah, if my sustenance is in the heavens, bring it down; if it is in the earth, bring it out; if it is difficult, make it easy; if it is unlawful, purify it; if it is distant, bring it near. By the truth of Your Duha, Your majesty, Your beauty, Your strength, and Your power, grant me what You have granted Your righteous servants."
Conclusion
Duha prayer is a beautiful act of worship that brings both spiritual and worldly benefits. It is an opportunity to seek blessings, forgiveness, and sustenance from Allah. Making it a habit to pray Duha daily can bring immense rewards and strengthen our connection with Allah.
May Allah grant us the ability to perform Duha prayer regularly and accept our supplications. Ameen.
