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
Sahih al-Bukhari (Bukhari's Authentic Collection)
The most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam al-Bukhari.
Ihsan (Excellence)
The highest level of worship: to worship Allah as if one can see Him.
Du'a Kumayl (Kumayl's Supplication)
One of the most famous Shia supplications, taught by Imam Ali to Kumayl ibn Ziyad.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.
Salat al-Mayyit (Funeral Prayer)
The prayer for the deceased, performed before the burial.
Arba'een (The 40th Day)
The 40th day after Imam Husayn's martyrdom, marked by the world's largest pilgrimage.