Home
If you’re trying to understand how to pray Dhuhr Namaz you’re taking a beautiful step toward building your daily connection with Allah. Dhuhr is the peaceful midday prayer that brings clarity and calm to your day. Learning its timing, requirements, and movements will make the prayer feel easier and more meaningful.
How Long Does It Take to Pray 4 Rak’ahs?
What Is Dhuhr Namaz?
Dhuhr Namaz is the midday obligatory prayer made up of 4 Rak’ahs (cycles of prayer actions).
The word Namaz means prayer in Persian and Urdu, while the universally used Arabic term for the formal prayer is Salah. It is the second prayer of the day.
When Should You Pray Dhuhr Namaz?
Before learning how to pray Dhuhr Namaz, you must know its time window, as prayer outside the prescribed time is not valid.
✔ Dhuhr begins:
Right after the sun passes its zenith (midday, when the shadows begin to lengthen eastward).
✔ Dhuhr ends:
Right before the next obligatory prayer, Asr, time begins (when the shadow of an object is equal to its length plus its shortest midday shadow).
Most people use a reliable prayer time app to accurately track these timings and stay consistent.
How to Pray Witr Prayer for beginners
What You Need Before Learning How to Pray Dhuhr Namaz
These four basic, essential requirements must be completed before you begin Dhuhr Namaz. They are necessary conditions for the validity of your prayer:
Perform Wudu (Ablution)
Purity is required for prayer. You must be in a state of ritual cleanliness.
Wudu includes washing the face, hands, arms, wiping the head, and washing the feet according to the prescribed method.
Wear Clean and Modest Clothing
Your body must be covered modestly (for men, from naval to knee; for women, the entire body except the hands and face).
You don’t need special clothing — just ensure the clothes themselves are clean and free from impurities.
Face the Qiblah
You must orient yourself to pray facing the Kaaba in Makkah (Mecca), which is the Qiblah.
A prayer app or a compass can show you the exact direction, ensuring you fulfill this crucial physical requirement.
Use a Clean Space for Prayer
The spot you are praying on must be clean.
Any clean area works—a prayer mat is optional for convenience and cleanliness, but not strictly required.
How to Pray Dhuhr Namaz
Dhuhr Namaz consists of 4 Rak’ahs (four cycles). It is recited silently in the heart and mind, even when praying alone.
Rak’ah 1
Intention (Niyyah)
Form the intention in your heart:
“I intend to pray 4 Rak’ahs of Dhuhr for Allah.”
Takbir
Raise both hands up to your ears and say:
“Allahu Akbar.”
(This officially starts the prayer).
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
Recite the opening chapter of the Quran silently.
Recite a short Surah
Recite any short chapter or a few verses you know after Al-Fatihah.
Examples of easy Surahs for beginners include: Ikhlas, Falaq, or Nas.
Rukoo’ (Bowing)
Bow down, placing your hands on your knees, and say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”
(Repeat this phrase 3 times)
Stand up straight
Rise back to a full standing position and say:
“Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah.”
Then say:
“Rabbana wa lakal hamd.”
Sujood (Prostration)
Go into prostration, ensuring your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch the ground, and say:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la”
(Repeat this phrase 3 times)
Sit between the two sujood
Sit gently on your left leg and say:
“Rabbighfir li.”
Second sujood
Perform a second prostration the exact same way as the first.
Rak’ah 2
Repeat the same steps (1 through 9) exactly as you did for Rak’ah 1.
After the second sujood, remain seated and recite the full Tashahhud (testimony of faith and greetings): At-Tahiyyat… (until the end of the first part of the testimony).
After the Tashahhud, stand up straight again for Rak’ah 3.
Rak’ah 3 & Rak’ah 4
For the third and fourth Rak'ahs, repeat the same steps (1 through 9).
You only need to recite Al-Fatihah only (without reciting a short Surah afterward).
Full Tashahhud (At-Tahiyyat)
You place your right hand on your right thigh, index finger pointing forward.
Your left hand rests on your left thigh.
Now recite the full Tashahhud and then continue with the prayer upon the Prophet.
Finishing the Prayer — The Taslīm
When you're ready to end the prayer:
Turn your head to the right and say clearly:
“Assalāmu ‘Alaykum wa Raḥmatullāh”
Then turn your head to the left and repeat:
“Assalāmu ‘Alaykum wa Raḥmatullāh”
This completes your prayer.
Helpful Tips for Anyone Learning How to Pray Dhuhr Namaz
Learn one step at a time
Start by memorizing short Surahs
Use apps to learn recitation and timing
Practice slowly and consistently
Don’t worry about mistakes — Allah accepts effort
Conclusion
Learning how to pray Dhuhr Namaz becomes simple and accessible when the requirements and steps are laid out clearly. With consistent practice, pure intention, and reliance on Allah, you will find Dhuhr becoming a peaceful and essential anchor in your daily routine.
Common Questions About How to Pray Dhuhr Namaz
Is Dhuhr prayed silently?
Yes — Dhuhr (and Asr) are always prayed silently.
How long does it take to pray Dhuhr?
A complete 4 Rak’ah Dhuhr prayer usually takes a beginner between 5–7 minutes to complete.
Can I pray anywhere?
Yes, you may pray anywhere, provided the place is clean and free from impurities.
What if I forget something?
Continue calmly — if you skip a recommended action, your prayer is still valid. Beginners should focus on completing the prayer sincerely.