Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer)
A voluntary prayer performed after sunrise and before noon, with great reward according to the narrations.
Salat al-Duha is a voluntary (nafilah) prayer performed after the sun has risen approximately 15 minutes above the horizon and until shortly before Dhuhr time. It typically consists of 2 to 12 rak'ah, with the most recommended amount being 4 rak'ah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every morning charity is given for every joint of your body. Every tasbih is charity, every tahmid is charity, every tahlil is charity, enjoining good is charity, forbidding evil is charity — and two rak'ah at forenoon time is sufficient for all of this" (Sahih Muslim).
Abu Hurayrah narrated: "My friend (the Prophet) advised me three things: to fast three days every month, to pray two rak'ah of Duha, and to pray Witr before I sleep" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Salat al-Duha is considered in all four Sunni schools of law to be a recommended prayer (sunnah), and it is particularly associated with gratitude for a new day.
Related terms
Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)
Asking Allah for forgiveness for one's sins and mistakes.
Sha'ban (The Prophet's Month)
The eighth Islamic month, with special emphasis on the 15th night.
Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Remembrance and glorification of Allah through repetition of sacred phrases.
Marja' al-Taqlid (Religious Authority)
The highest religious authority in Shia Islam, whom the believer follows in prayer and legal matters.
Iqamah (Second Call to Prayer)
The second call to prayer, recited just before the prayer begins.
Qiyam (Standing Position)
The standing position in prayer, during which the Quran is recited.