duha

Duha is an Arabic term that primarily designates the forenoon or morning period in Islamic timekeeping. The word appears in the Qur’an in Surah Ad-Duha (The Forenoon), which begins with an oath by the forenoon. In everyday usage, Duha also refers to a voluntary prayer associated with this time, known as Salat al-Duha.

Salat al-Duha is a voluntary (nafl) prayer performed after the sun has fully risen and before the time of Dhuhr. It is not obligatory, but is widely regarded as recommended as a form of worship and a means of spiritual reward. The number of rak’ahs is flexible: believers commonly pray two, but four, six, eight, or even twelve rak’ahs are also practiced. The exact number is left to the worshiper, within the general guidelines of voluntary prayer. Hadith literature from various Islamic traditions encourages performing Duha and highlights its virtues, though details vary between narrations and schools of law.

The timing of Duha can vary by school; the common window runs from after sunrise until just before the Dhuhr prayer begins. Some scholars place the end of the window closer to the time of Dhuhr, while others extend it to the early part of the forenoon. In practice, many Muslims observe Duha as a flexible form of morning worship, often paired with remembrance of God and charitable acts.

Other uses: Duha can also be a given name or toponym in various Muslim-majority communities. It remains most widely recognized in religious contexts as the name of a forenoon period and a voluntary prayer.