How to Pray Dhuhr: Rakats and Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
Dhuhr (noon prayer) is 10 rakats in total in the Hanafi school: 4 sunnah + 4 fard + 2 final sunnah. It begins when the sun passes its zenith and lasts until Asr. Recitation is silent, including behind an imam. The first sunnah is prayed as one set of 4 rakats with a single salam.
Step-by-Step Summary
- 1First Sunnah — 4 Rakats: Make your intention and pray 4 rakats with one salam: Al-Fatiha + a surah in every rakat; in the first sitting only At-Tahiyyat, then rise; full sequence in the final sitting.
- 2Fard — Intention: Intend today's Dhuhr fard. In congregation follow the imam; recitation is silent.
- 3Fard — 4 Rakats: First two rakats: Al-Fatiha + surah. Last two: Al-Fatiha only. Only At-Tahiyyat in the first sitting; full sequence and salam in the final sitting.
- 4Final Sunnah — 2 Rakats: Pray 2 rakats like the fajr sunnah and give salam.
The Dhuhr Prayer
Dhuhr is the second obligatory prayer of the day and one of the longest: 4 sunnah + 4 fard + 2 final sunnah = 10 rakats. See today's time on the prayer times page.
| Part | Rakats | Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| First sunnah | 4 | Emphasized sunnah |
| Fard | 4 | Obligatory |
| Final sunnah | 2 | Emphasized sunnah |
The 4-Rakat First Sunnah
One set with a single salam: Subhanaka in the first rakat, Al-Fatiha + a surah in every rakat; only At-Tahiyyat in the first sitting; full sequence (Salli-Barik + Rabbana) in the final sitting.
The 4-Rakat Fard
First two rakats Al-Fatiha + surah; last two Al-Fatiha only. Finish with the full final sitting and salam, then the post-prayer tasbih.
The 2-Rakat Final Sunnah
Prayed like the fajr sunnah.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is Dhuhr?
10 in total: 4 sunnah, 4 fard and 2 final sunnah. The first sunnah is prayed as a single set of four with one salam.
When is Dhuhr time?
It begins when the sun passes its zenith (zawal) and ends when Asr time enters. Check today's exact time on our prayer times page.
Is Dhuhr recited aloud?
No. Dhuhr and Asr are silent prayers; the imam also recites silently in congregation.