How to Pray Dhuhr Step by Step: Complete Guide for Beginners [2026]

Learning how to pray Dhuhr is essential for every Muslim. Dhuhr is the second of the 5 daily prayers in Islam and consists of 4 rakats. If you already know how to pray Fajr step by step, Dhuhr will be easy to learn because the steps are similar but with 4 rakats instead of 2.

In this guide, we will show you exactly how to perform Dhuhr prayer from wudu to salam, what to say in each rakat, and the common mistakes to avoid. This guide links to our full how to pray Salah guide for reference.

Table of Contents

• What is Dhuhr Prayer & When to Pray It?
• How Many Rakats in Dhuhr?
• How to Pray Dhuhr Step by Step (4 Rakats)
• What to Say in Dhuhr Prayer
• Common Mistakes in Dhuhr Prayer
• FAQs

What is Dhuhr Prayer & When to Pray It?

Dhuhr prayer is prayed after the sun passes its zenith (midday) and before Asr time. It is one of the prayer times in Islam that every Muslim must observe daily. According to our conditions of Salah, you must be in a state of wudu, face Qibla, and have the intention.

How Many Rakats in Dhuhr?

Dhuhr consists of 4 fard rakats. For more details about all prayers, see how many rakats in each prayer. There are also 4 sunnah before and 2 sunnah after, but this guide focuses on the 4 fard rakats that are obligatory.

How to Pray Dhuhr Step by Step (4 Rakats)

Here is the complete process:

Step 1: Make Wudu and Niyyah

Perform wudu and make intention in your heart to pray Dhuhr. Learn what breaks wudu to stay pure.

Step 2: First Rakat

Raise hands, say Allahu Akbar, recite Al-Fatiha and a short surah. Go to ruku, sujud as explained in how to pray Salah.

Step 3: Second Rakat

Stand up for second rakat, recite Al-Fatiha and another surah, then ruku and sujud. Sit for first Tashahhud.

Step 4: Third and Fourth Rakat

Stand for third rakat, recite only Al-Fatiha, then fourth rakat same. In the last sitting, recite Tashahhud, Salat Ibrahimiyyah, and make salam. For full duas, see what to say in Salah and what to say after Salah.

What to Say in Dhuhr Prayer

You recite Al-Fatiha in every rakat. In first two rakats, add a short surah after Fatiha. In Tashahhud, recite At-Tahiyyat. See detailed text in what to say in Salah.

Common Mistakes in Dhuhr Prayer

Many beginners rush through Dhuhr. Avoid these common Salah mistakes: praying too fast, not doing proper ruku and sujud, and missing wudu. Also learn what nullifies wudu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rakats is Dhuhr?

Dhuhr is 4 fard rakats. See how many rakats in each prayer for all 5 prayers.

Can I pray Dhuhr at home?

Yes, you can pray Dhuhr at home, but praying in congregation is better. Learn more in prayer in Islam.

What breaks Dhuhr prayer?

Same things that break any Salah: losing wudu, talking, turning away from Qibla. See what breaks wudu and common mistakes.