Overview
The Zuhr prayer, known in Arabic as ṣalāt aẓ-ẓuhr, is the Islamic midday worship observed every day by practicing Muslims. It is the second of the five daily ritual prayers (salat) and marks a pause in daily activity for devotion, remembrance and short recitation from the Qur'an.
Timing and placement in the day
Zuhr begins after the sun passes its highest point (the zenith) and the shadow of an object begins to lengthen. It continues until the period reserved for the next canonical prayer. In general descriptions it is referred to as the midday or noon prayer and is scheduled midway between dawn and the evening prayers. Practical start and end times vary by location and method of calculation; most calendars list specific clock times that change daily.
Structure and components
The obligatory portion of Zuhr for most schools consists of four units (rak'ahs) of prayer. Many Muslims also perform associated recommended (sunnah) units before and after the required ones. Each unit includes standing, bowing, prostration and sitting with set Qur'anic recitations and supplications. Common elements are:
- Intention (niyyah) to perform the prayer;
- Takbir to begin and a sequence of recitations while standing;
- Ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostrations) separated by brief sitting;
- Completion with salutations (taslim).
Friday congregation and variations
On Fridays the regular Zuhr service for many is supplanted by the congregational Jumu'ah prayer, which includes a sermon (khutba) delivered by the imam. The Friday service has a strong communal emphasis and different legal rulings govern attendance, leadership and the sermon. Across legal schools there are also practical accommodations: for example, travelers or those with pressing need may combine or shorten some prayers under specified conditions.
Significance, history and distinctions
Zuhr has been part of Muslim worship since the early community and reflects the Qur'anic and prophetic practice of structuring the day around remembrance and prayer. It occupies a middle place between the dawn prayer and the nightly prayer, sometimes described in contrast with Isha or the later night devotions. Local custom and jurisprudence influence recommended additional units, precise timing and whether women and children attend communal services; scholarship provides guidance for those variations.
Practical notes
Those observing Zuhr consult mosque timetables or prayer calculators for accurate times. In many communities, mosques host the prayer at set times and provide space for the brief congregational observance. Whether performed alone or in congregation, Zuhr remains a central, recurring act of worship that structures the working day for millions of Muslims worldwide.