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
Hijri (Islamic Calendar)
The Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the Prophet's migration to Medina.
Mafatih al-Jinan (Keys to Paradise)
The most widely used Shia prayer book, compiled by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi.
Ma'ad (Resurrection)
Belief in resurrection and judgment day — the fifth article of faith in Shia Islam.
Tawhid (God's Oneness)
Islamic monotheism — belief in Allah's absolute oneness, the core of prayer.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Qalb Salim (The Pure Heart)
The pure, sincere heart — the ultimate goal of prayer and worship.