In the Islamic belief, the Dhuhr prayer constitutes the subsequent of the five daily prayers performed by Muslims. It is observed just following midday when the sun has passed its highest point in the sky. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the intent (niyat) one ought to hold for the Dhuhr prayer, the step-by-step procedure of observing it, and the supplications and duas to be recited subsequently.
### Intention for Dhuhr Prayer (Niyat)
The intention (niyat) for the Dhuhr prayer, as for all Islamic prayers, is made in the heart, not verbally. It entails the internal resolution to observe the prayer with nifaq adalah sincerity and focus, solely for the sake of Allah. The intent for the Dhuhr prayer can be translated as:
"I intend to perform the four Rak'ahs of the obligatory Dhuhr prayer for the sake of Allah, facing the Qibla."
### Procedure for Dhuhr Prayer
The Dhuhr prayer consists four Rak'ahs (units of prayer). Here is a step-by-step guide to conducting it:
1. **Takbir and Opening Supplication**:
- Begin by standing upright and facing the Qibla (the direction of the Ka'bah in Mecca).
- Raise your hands to your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) to signify the start of the prayer.
- Recite the opening supplication silently.
2. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah**:
- After the opening supplication, recite Surah Al-Fatiha (the first chapter of the Quran).
- Follow it with the recitation of another Surah or a few verses from the Quran.
3. **Ruku (Bowing)**:
- Say "Allahu Akbar" and bow down, placing your hands on your knees and keeping your back straight.
- In this position, say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) three times.
4. **Standing up from Ruku**:
- Stand up from the bowing position, saying "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him).
- Once standing, say "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, all praise is for You).
5. **Sujood (Prostration)**:
- Say "Allahu Akbar" and go down into prostration, placing your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground.
- In this position, say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
6. **Sitting between the two Sujoods**:
- Sit up from the prostration, saying "Allahu Akbar."
- In the sitting position, ask Allah for forgiveness and strength.
7. **Second Sujood**:
- Perform a second prostration, repeating the supplications made in the first Sujood.
This finishes one Rak'ah. For the Dhuhr prayer, repeat these stages to complete four Rak'ahs. In the subsequent Rak'ah, after the second Sujood, you move on to the Tashahhud.
8. **Tashahhud**:
- After completing the last Rak'ah, sit for the Tashahhud.
- Recite the Tashahhud supplication.
9. **Salutations on the Prophet (Salawat)**:
- After the Tashahhud, send salutations on the Prophet Muhammad by reciting the Salawat.
10. **Ending the Prayer (Tasleem)**:
- Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) each time.
### Post-Prayer Supplications (Duas) to Learn
After completing the Dhuhr prayer, it is suggested to recite certain supplications and make personal duas. Here are some of the supplications you may recite:
1. **Astaghfirullah**:
- "Astaghfirullah" (I seek forgiveness from Allah) – recited three times.
2. **Dua after the Prayer**:
- "Allahumma anta As-Salam wa minka As-Salam, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram" (O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of majesty and honor).
3. **Recitation of Ayat al-Kursi**:
- Recite Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), a powerful verse for protection and blessings.
4. **Other Short Supplications**:
- "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah) – 33 times.
- "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah) – 33 times.
- "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest) – 34 times.
### Conclusion
Dhuhr prayer, marked by its intent, exact motions, and deeply felt invocations, plays a vital role in a Muslim's daily ritual, offering a period of calmness, introspection, and an attachment to the Creator in the midst of the hustle of the day.
Committing to memory and understanding the meanings of the recitations and supplications not only boosts the standard of the prayer but also strengthens an individual's consciousness of Allah in their daily life.
As an essential element of Islam's five core principles, the Dhuhr prayer functions as a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of Muslims around the globe, acting as a perpetual cue of the spiritual and ethical path they endeavor to pursue.