How to Perform Duha Prayer?

Duha prayer also called the Forenoon prayer, is one of those Nafl prayers in Islam which avails a peculiar opportunity to revert to Allah in the early hours of the day.

It is done when the sun has fully risen until it reaches its zenith; thus, this time is for introspection, spiritual rejuvenation, and appeals to Allah for blessings.

Highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Duha prayer reaps immense rewards concerning the state of mind, facilitation of daily routines, and accomplishment of obligations toward charity.

We are going to discuss now how one can perform the Duha prayer, stating its importance, the best time for performance, and how it is performed, and also recommend some Surahs that one can recite to fully capitalize on this amazing practice.

How to Perform Duha Prayer?

The Duha prayer is also pronounced as Dhuha and Doha; well, it is a nafl (optional) prayer that one performs in the morning right after the sun has fully risen but before it reaches midday.

This prayer is highly recommended in Islam; from it come many blessings, and it was an act of worship that the Prophet Muhammad-peace be upon him-tried to keep going. 

Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to perform the Duha prayer:

1. Intention (Niyyah)

Just like with all the prayers in Islam, Duha starts with a very sincere niyyah. In your heart, intend to pray this Duha prayer just for the sake of pleasing Allah.

Something like: “I am going to pray the Sunnah prayer of Duha for Allah’s sake.”

You do not have to say this out loud; you say it in your heart.

2. Time of Duha Prayer

• Start: The time of Duha begins right after sunrise and about 15-20 minutes after the sun rises.
• Closing: This salat can be performed until about 10-15 minutes before the start of Dhuhr.

The most ideal time for prayer of Duha is that period when the sun has risen about halfway between sunrise and Dhuhr. 

Allaah opens the door of heaven at that time, and He answers all prayers and accepts all du’aa’ made at that time. One can offer the prayer of Duha at any moment after the opening of its window.

3. Number of Raka’ahs (Units of Prayer)

Depending on your availability of time or just personal desire, one can perform Duha prayer with 2, 4, 6, or even 8 raka’ahs.

This is the most common number, but 2 or 4 raka’ahs are more common; even the Prophet Muhammad himself was reported to pray as much as 8 raka’ahs on some occasions.

4. How to Do It

Duha prayer, just like other Sunnah prayers, is performed in sets of 2 raka’ahs.

Every 2 Raka’ahs:

1. Takbir: Raise your hands up and begin the prayer by proclaiming “Allahu Akbar”.
2. Surat Al-Fatiha: The first chapter of the Qur’an.
3. Another Surah: You read, following Al-Fatiha, any other surah or any other ayahs of the Qur’an. This usually goes to Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Kafirun, or any other surah you prefer.
4. Ruku’: You then go into a bow and say three times “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim”, which is Glory is to my Lord, the Greatest.
5. Standing (I’tidal): Rise back to the standing position and say, “Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd”, which means Allah hears those who praise Him, Our Lord, to You is all praise.
6. First Sujood: Go into the first prostration, sujood saying “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times, meaning Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.
7. Between Sujood Sitting: Sit for a moment and say “Rabbighfirli” (My Lord, forgive me).
8. Second Sujood: Do sujood again as before.
9. Stand up for the next raka’ah: and continue in the same fashion as the second unit (raka’).
10. Tashahhud: Sit after the second raka’ah and say the Tashahhud-At-tahiyyat.
11. Salam: End the prayer, facing to the right and saying, “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you), then facing to the left and saying the same words.

5. Duha Prayer and Its Rewards

The Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ, said with regard to Duha prayer:

• This is counted as sadaqah given out for every joint in your body.
• It brings blessings and ease in life.
• Allah has promised immense rewards for the person who regularly sends this prayer, and it is also narrated that if this prayer is carried out then a person need not pay any charity on that particular day.

Additional Notes

Duha prayer is very famous for granting applications for sustenance, the goodness of the day, and ultimately protection. It is an action that brings one closer to Allah.

You can make further supplications if you want after having prayed Duha, such as making Morning Dua.

While offering the prayer of Duha continuously, one gets the opportunity to act upon one of the highly recommended practices by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and attract the Mercy and Blessings of Allah in daily life.

Which Surahs to Recite in the Duha Prayer?

The prayer of Duha allows one to recite any Surah or some verses of the Qur’an following Surah Al-Fatiha in each raka’. However, there is no prescribed Surah for Duha prayer. 

However, many people, for the purpose of ease, go for the shorter ones. Some of them are as follows:

1. Surah Al-Shams, Chapter 91

• This Surah reflects upon the soul that has been purified and the results of being heedless about that rectitude.

• Comprises 15 Verses and therefore had the appropriateness to be recited in Duha.

2. Surah Ad-Duha-Chapter 93

• This Surah is directly related to the morning and the Duha prayer theme. It reassures Allah’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at a time when there is a stoppage of the revelation.

• Comprises 11 Verses. It is comparatively a small Surah, but deep in meaning.

3. Surah Al-Kafirun-Chapter 109

• It retains and represents the height of contrast between believers and disbelievers concerning faith and worship.
• Comprises 6 verses and is widely recited in most nafl prayers due to its brief message.

4. Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)

• It contains in it an explicit declaration of the Oneness of Allah; as such, it is one of the most commonly recited Surahs during the greater part of prayers.

• Comprises 4 verses and reflects monotheistic Islamic belief.

5. Surah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94)

• Generally follows on from Surah Al-Duha to assure believers by confirming that at the end of hardship is relief.

• Comprises 8 verses; comfort and gives hope to the reader.

These are the usual Surahs that are being recited; however, the most important thing is the sincerity in the recitation, and you may take any verse you want from the Quran.