Dhuhr (Noon Prayer)
The second daily prayer, performed when the sun passes its zenith.
Dhuhr (Arabic: ظهر) is the second of the five daily obligatory prayers in Islam. The word "dhuhr" means "noon" and refers to the time when the sun has passed its highest point in the sky (zenith) and begins to move westward.
The Dhuhr prayer consists of four rak'ah and is prayed in the period from when the sun passes the zenith until the beginning of the Asr prayer. On Fridays, Dhuhr is replaced by the Jumu'ah prayer (Friday prayer) for men, which is prayed in congregation at the mosque.
Dhuhr time is calculated astronomically as the moment when the sun crosses the meridian (the highest point in the sky for that day). This typically falls between 12:00 and 13:30 depending on the season and daylight saving time. The exact time depends on the city's longitude — cities further west have a slightly later Dhuhr than cities to the east.
It is sunnah (recommended) to pray two or four rak'ah of sunnah prayer before Dhuhr and two rak'ah after. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was very attentive to these extra prayers.
Related terms
Shafa'ah (Intercession)
The Prophet's and the Imams' intercession with Allah for the believers on the Day of Judgment.
Bid'ah (Innovation in Religion)
An innovation or addition to religion that has no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.
Salat al-Ghufaylah (Prayer Between Maghrib and Isha)
A specially recommended prayer prayed between Maghrib and Isha in Shia Islam.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (The Night of Ascension)
The night when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to the heavens and received the gift of prayer.
Salat al-Mayyit (Funeral Prayer)
The prayer for the deceased, performed before the burial.
Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
The exclamation "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking transitions in the prayer.