Zuhr prayer
| Part of a series on |
| Islam |
|---|
 |
The Dhuhr prayer ("dh" pronounced as "th" in "Thou", or simplified to "zo") is the mid-day or noon prayer. Performed daily by practicing Muslims. It is the second of the five daily prayers (salah). The five daily prayers collectively are one of the Five Pillars of Islam in Sunni Islam, and one of the ten Furoo-ul-deen, according to Shia Islam. When travelling, according to some madhhabs, it may be reduced to two raka'ahs. The Dhuhr prayer is mentioned by name in the Qur'an at 17:78.
In both types of Islam, four raka'ah are required (Fard) and are prayed barely1 (silently). However, in Sunni Islam, four raka'ah prior to the Fard raka'ah and two raka'ah following the Fard raka'ah are highly recommended.
On Friday the Dhuhr prayer is replaced by Jumu'ah, which is obligatory for all Muslim males above the age of puberty who are resident and without a legitimate excuse.
Waqt
The waqt (prescribed time) of the Dhuhr salah is determined differently by the different branches of Islam. In each case however, it is best to perform the prayer as soon as the waqt is “in”, and inadvisable to unnecessarily delay it.
Shia Islam
The time period within which the Dhuhr daily prayer must be recited is the following:
- Time begins: once the Sun has crossed the celestial meridian (true noon), exactly halfway between sunrise and sunset. This is when the Sun is at the highest point in the sky.
- Time ends: before the time it takes to recite the daily Asr prayer (afternoon prayer).
Sunni Islam
The time period within which the Dhuhr daily prayer must be recited is the following:
- Time begins: once the Sun has crossed the celestial meridian (true noon), exactly halfway between sunrise and sunset. This is when the Sun is at the highest point in the sky.
- Time ends: at the time when the Asr prayer begins (afternoon prayer).
1This is for the individual prayer. In the congregation, the recitation will also be un-noticeable except for the expressions which indicate each of the stages of the prayer.