duhur

Duhur, also spelled Duhr or Zuhr, is the obligatory noon prayer in Islam and one of the five daily prayers. It is performed by Muslims during the daytime, after the sun has passed its zenith and before the afternoon prayer (Asr). The name derives from Arabic and is commonly associated with the midday period.

Timing and window of practice vary by location and school of thought. In general, the time for Duhur begins when the sun begins to move away from its highest point in the sky and lasts until the start of Asr. The exact moment for the end of the window can differ between juristic opinions, but it is commonly understood to end with the beginning of the Asr prayer time. Local prayer timetables and mosques provide precise daily times.

Ritual practice for Duhur involves performing four rak’ahs (units of prayer) in a prescribed sequence, facing the qibla (toward the Kaaba in Mecca). The prayer is performed with the intention (niyyah) to worship and fulfill the fard (obligatory) duty of the daily prayer. In many communities, Duhur is recited in congregation at a mosque, though individuals may perform it alone if necessary.

Significance and context: Duhur is one of the obligatory prayers in Sunni and many Shia traditions, reflecting the daytime worship obligations in Islam. It sits between the mid-day period and the afternoon prayer, forming a core part of daily worship routines for Muslims around the world. Variations in timing and practice are typically explained in local religious guidance and among different schools of Islamic jurisprudence.