How Many Rakats in Dhuhr and How to Perform Them Correctly: Step-by-Step for Non-Arabic Speakers

Performing the five daily prayers (Salah) is one of the most fundamental acts of worship in Islam. For non-Arabic speakers, understanding the structure and significance of each prayer can be challenging, especially when it comes to the midday prayer, known as Dhuhr. One of the most frequently asked questions is: How many rakats in Dhuhr? 

This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to help non-Arabic speakers understand and perform Dhuhr prayer correctly, with references from the Quran and Hadith, and introduces a valuable resource—Resala Academy—to support your journey in learning Arabic and the Quran.

What is Dhuhr Prayer?

Dhuhr (الظهر) is the second of the five daily prayers in Islam. It is performed after the sun has passed its zenith and before the time of Asr prayer. Dhuhr is a silent prayer, meaning the recitation is not done aloud.

Evidence from the Quran:

The importance of Dhuhr is emphasized in the Quran:

 أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِدُلُوكِ ٱلشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَقُرْءَانَ ٱلْفَجْرِ ۖ إِنَّ قُرْءَانَ ٱلْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an at dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.”
Surah Al-Isra (17:78)

Evidence from Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly prayed additional Sunnah rakats before and after Dhuhr:

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ حَفِظْتُ مِنَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَشْرَ رَكَعَاتٍ رَكْعَتَيْنِ قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ، وَرَكْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَهَا

“Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: I remember ten Rakat of Nawafil from the Prophet, two Rakat before the Zuhr prayer and two after it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1180

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not just the obligatory rakats but also the Sunnah Mu’akkadah, which are highly recommended.

How Many Rakats in Dhuhr?

The Dhuhr prayer consists of 4 obligatory rakats (units). However, to complete the full Sunnah and Nawafil prayers associated with Dhuhr, Muslims often perform additional rakats. Here’s the breakdown:

Total Rakats in Dhuhr:

So, when someone asks, “How many rakats in Dhuhr?”, the answer is 4 obligatory, but 10 in total for those who follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Understanding the Structure and Significance of Dhuhr Prayer Rakats

To truly grasp the answer to the question “how many rakats in Dhuhr”, one must explore not just the number but also the spiritual and structural significance of each rakat. 

Each unit of prayer carries a unique purpose and reward, especially during Dhuhr, which is performed at a time when most people are engaged in worldly affairs. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each segment of the Dhuhr prayer entails and why it matters:

The 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah Before Dhuhr

• These pre-obligatory rakats are a confirmed Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently performed.
• They serve as a spiritual preparation, helping the believer transition from daily tasks to a state of mindfulness and devotion.
• Performing these rakats brings immense reward and is a sign of love and adherence to the Sunnah.
• According to Hadith:
  
  

  مَنْ صَلَّى اثْنَتَىْ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً فِي يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ بُنِيَ لَهُ بِهِنَّ بَيْتٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ
  “Whoever is regular with twelve rakats of Sunnah prayers every day and night, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” Sahih Muslim 728a

The 4 Fard Rakats of Dhuhr

• When asking how many rakats in Dhuhr are obligatory, the answer is four.
• These four rakats are compulsory and must be performed in a specific sequence with proper recitation and posture.
• Missing these without a valid excuse is considered a sin in Islamic jurisprudence.
• These rakats are prayed silently, allowing for internal reflection and focus on the meanings of the verses.
• The Fard rakats are the core of the Dhuhr prayer and fulfill the command of Allah as mentioned in the Quran:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبًۭا مَّوْقُوتًۭا
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” Surah An-Nisa (4:103)

The 2 Sunnah Rakats After Dhuhr

• These are post-obligatory Sunnah rakats, also known as Sunnah Mu’akkadah.
• They act as a spiritual seal to the obligatory prayer, increasing its reward and compensating for any shortcomings.
• The Prophet ﷺ was consistent in praying them, making them a highly recommended act of worship.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Dhuhr Prayer

This step-by-step guide is tailored for non-Arabic speakers who want to perform Dhuhr prayer correctly and confidently.

1. Make Wudu (Ablution)

Before any prayer, ensure you are in a state of ritual purity. Follow the steps of Wudu carefully.

2. Face the Qiblah

Stand facing the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah.

3. Intention (Niyyah)

Silently make the intention in your heart for the specific prayer. For example:

“I intend to pray four rakats of Dhuhr for Allah.”

4. Takbir al-Ihram (Opening Takbir)

Raise your hands and say:

“Allahu Akbar” (الله أكبر) – “Allah is the Greatest”

5. Recitation in Each Rakat

First Two Rakats:

• Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
• Any other Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas)

Third and Fourth Rakats:

• Only Surah Al-Fatiha

6. Ruku (Bowing)

Say:

“Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ) – “Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great”

7. Sujood (Prostration)

Say:

“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى) – “Glory is to my Lord, the Most High”

8. Tashahhud (Sitting Position)

After the second and fourth rakats, sit and recite the Tashahhud:

“At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat…”

Learn Tashahhud in Arabic and English

9. Tasleem (Ending the Prayer)

Turn your head to the right and say:

“As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (السلام عليكم ورحمة الله)

Repeat on the left side.

Why Dhuhr is Especially Important for Non-Arabic Speakers

For non-native speakers, Dhuhr offers a unique opportunity to:

• Practice Arabic recitation in a silent setting
• Reflect on the meanings of the verses
• Build consistency in performing Salah
• Learn the structure of prayer with less pressure

Learn to Pray and Understand Arabic with Resala Academy

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many rakats are in Dhuhr prayer for adults?

Adults are required to pray 4 obligatory rakats in Dhuhr. However, it is Sunnah to pray 4 before and 2 after, making a total of 10 rakats.

2. Can I pray Dhuhr in English if I don’t know Arabic?

While the prayer must be performed in Arabic, you can start learning the essential phrases with transliteration and translation. Enroll in Resala Academy’s Arabic classes to learn Arabic effectively.

3. Is it necessary to pray the Sunnah rakats of Dhuhr?

Sunnah rakats are not obligatory but are highly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ consistently prayed for them, and they bring great rewards.

4. What time is Dhuhr prayer?

Dhuhr begins right after the sun passes its zenith and lasts until the shadow of an object is equal to its length. Use IslamicFinder to check accurate prayer times in your location.

5. What if I miss Dhuhr prayer?

If you miss Dhuhr, you should pray it as soon as you remember. Deliberately missing it without a valid reason is a serious matter in Islam.

Conclusion

Understanding how many rakats in Dhuhr and how to perform them correctly is essential for every Muslim, especially for non-Arabic speakers striving to connect with their faith. With the right guidance, resources, and dedication, you can perform your prayers with confidence and spiritual depth.

Let Resala Academy be your companion on this journey. Through expert-led Arabic and Quran courses, you’ll not only learn to pray but also understand the profound meanings behind each word you recite.

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