Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr: A Complete Guide to Voluntary Worship   

Sunnah prayers for Dhuhr are not optional rak’ahs, these are a golden opportunity to earn additional rewards, follow the beloved example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and strengthen your daily connection with Allah.

Whether you are looking for tranquility in your day or security in the Hereafter, the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr are of tremendous benefit to every believer who wishes to raise their worship. 

What Are the Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr?

The sunnah prayers for dhuhr are nafl prayers that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would pray before and after the obligatory Dhuhr prayer daily. The sunnah prayers are highly rewarded and are a way of following the Prophet’s dearest habits ﷺ.

1. The Regular Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr

The Prophet ﷺ always performed four rak’ahs of Sunnah before Dhuhr and two rak’ahs afterwards. These were Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a confirmed Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ used to pray.

• Before Dhuhr: 4 rak’ahs Sunnah
• After Dhuhr: 2 rak’ahs Sunnah

These sunnah prayers for dhuhr are highly recommended and must be avoided nonetheless since they were usually performed by the Prophet ﷺ.

Begin your Private Islamic learning journey with a free Consultation session by Sheikhs from Al-Azhar, Egypt! 

2. Additional Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr

Some scholars narrated that it is also permissible to pray four rak’ahs after Dhuhr instead of two. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever makes four rak’ahs following Dhuhr, Allah will prohibit the Fire for him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi – Sahih)

Therefore, altogether, it is allowed to perform 8 rak’ahs of sunnah prayers for dhuhr: four before and four after the fard.

Benefits of Performing Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr

Performing the sunnah prayers for dhuhr is not only great spiritually, but it also demonstrates the love and submission of the believer towards the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

These voluntary prayers are a source of mercy, safety, and proximity to Allah. Below are the key benefits of performing these sunnah prayers regularly.

1. Complementing the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

One of the greatest things about the sunnah prayers for dhuhr is following the Prophet ﷺ much-preferred practice. He never missed doing these prayers, and therefore, they are a Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

By performing these prayers, you are:

• Walking in the Prophet’s ﷺ footsteps.
• Earning the love of Allah:

“Say: If you love Allah, then follow me. Allah will love you.” (Qur’an 3:31)

2. Sunnah prayers for dhuhr helps in Filling Gaps in Obligatory Prayers

Our obligatory prayers may be lacking either in concentration, sincerity, or accuracy. The sunnah prayers for dhuhr are a medicine and fill the gaps.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The first matter for which the slave will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is full, it will be counted as such, and if it is lacking, then Allah will say: Look and see if My slave has any voluntary prayers to complete what is missing from his obligatory prayers.” (Abu Dawood, An-Nasa’i)

Hence, the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr save us in the Hereafter by completing our fard prayer.

Discover the importance of Sunnah for Asr prayer and its significance! 

3. Increased Rewards and Forgiveness

Voluntary deeds like the sunnah prayers for dhuhr involve increased rewards and many favors. They illustrate a believer’s eagerness to pray beyond the requirements, and that results in closeness to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ narrated in a hadith Qudsi:

“My servant does not come nearer to Me with anything more dear to Me than the performance of the obligations I have enjoined upon him. And he continues to come to Me with supererogatory acts until I love him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith confirms that performing the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr makes an individual attain Allah’s love.

4. Protection from the Hellfire

There is special merit in performing four rak’ahs before and after Dhuhr. The Prophet ﷺ narrated:

“Whoever regularly performs four rak’ahs before Dhuhr and four after it, Allah will keep the Fire away from him.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi – Sahih)

The firm promise shows the immense merit of the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr as a shield against punishment.

5. Spiritual Peace and Conscious Break from the Day

Dhuhr time is in the afternoon when people are busy with work or errands. Taking the time to pray the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr provides:

• A spiritual reboot.
• Enhanced concentration and a clear mind.
• A mindful reminder of your connection with Allah.

These short added prayers can change your whole day and leave you feeling renewed and motivated.

6. SunnahP for Dhuhr Offers a Promotion in Rank and Status

Every act of worship advances one level in Jannah. The sunnah prayers for dhuhr are a chance to level up and get closer to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Prostrate often, for you will not make a single prostration to Allah without it raising you in degree and removing a sin from you.” (Sahih Muslim)

Every rak’ah of these sunnah Dhuhr prayers gets one closer to Paradise.

How to Perform the Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr Correctly

Performing the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr correctly is how you come close to the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Sunnah. While these are not mandatory prayers, they are to be dealt with respect and caution. Let us learn step by step how to perform these Sunnah prayers.

1. Quantity of Rak’ahs in Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr

The Dhuhr sunnah prayers comprise:

• 4 Rak’ahs before the obligatory Dhuhr prayer (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)
• 2 Rak’ahs after the obligatory Dhuhr prayer (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)
• Some scholars also mention an extended form:
• 4 Rak’ahs before + 4 Rak’ahs after = 8 rak’ahs total of Sunnah
• The most widely practiced and recommended form, however, is 4 before and 2 after.

2. Intention (Niyyah) for Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr

As with any prayer, intention is necessary. With the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr, you do not need to say your intention. Just make it in your heart. For example:

• For the 4 rak’ahs beforehand: “I intend to pray 4 rak’ahs Sunnah of Dhuhr for the sake of Allah.”
• For the 2 rak’ahs afterwards: “I intend to pray 2 rak’ahs Sunnah after Dhuhr for the sake of Allah.”

3. Prayer of 4 Rak’ahs Sunnah prior to Dhuhr

You may pray the 4 rak’ahs as follows:

• As two sets of 2 rak’ahs (i.e., 2 rak’ahs + Tasleem, and another 2 rak’ahs + Tasleem)

OR

• As four rak’ahs consecutively (i.e., one Tasleem following the fourth rak’ah)
• The Prophet ﷺ practiced both, but praying in pairs is normally better for optional prayers.
• Each 2-rak’ah unit is recited the same as a regular 2-rak’ah Salah:
• Start with Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and place your hands upon your chest.
• Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah.
• Perform Rukoo’ (bowing), stand up.
• Perform Sujood (prostration) twice.
• On the second rak’ah, repeat the same and finish with Tashahhud and Tasleem.
• Do the same for the second 2-rak’ah unit.

Learn how to read Asr prayer step by step!

4. How to Pray 2 Rak’ahs sunnah prayers for dhuhr

After you have completed the obligatory Dhuhr prayer, you can perform the 2 rak’ahs sunnah prayer of Dhuhr.

The two rak’ahs are performed in the very same way as before. No iqamah or saying out loud is necessary. Simply:

• Start with Allahu Akbar
• Say Al-Fatiha and a Surah in both rak’ahs
• Perform Rukoo, Sujood, and finish with Tashahhud and Tasleem

With the help of Ulum Al-Azhar Academy, you can learn Quran recitation with tajweed. You can easily join the private tutoring at Private Tadarus Al-Quran & Recitation with Ijazah, where you learn and practice Quran recitation with a professional and expert Quran tutor from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

Conclusion

Performing the sunnah prayers for dhuhr correctly strengthens your connection with Allah and enlivens the holy Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Though not obligatory, they are of tremendous reward and serve as a safeguarding shield for your soul and a purifier for your fard prayers. In good intention, peace of mind, and dedication, you end up gaining maximum benefit from their spiritual strength.  

Book a free Consultation session and start learning!  

FAQs

What are the Rewards of Completing the Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr?

The rewards of completing the sunnah prayers for Dhuhr include earning Allah’s love, protection from Hellfire, and the completion of any shortcomings in the obligatory prayer.

How Sunnah Prayers Enhance Your Dhuhr Salah?

The sunnah prayers for Dhuhr enhance your Salah by deepening spiritual focus, increasing rewards, and perfecting your obligatory prayer.