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
Du'a al-Faraj (The Supplication of Deliverance)
A short, powerful supplication for Imam al-Mahdi's appearance and deliverance from suffering.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
Total trust and reliance on Allah in all of life's matters.
Tayammum (Dry Purification)
Ritual purification with clean earth, when water is not available.
Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
A prayer where one asks Allah for guidance to make the right decision.
Minaret (Prayer Tower)
The mosque's tower, from which the adhan (call to prayer) is traditionally recited.