Number of Rakats:
- Dhuhr prayer consists of a total of 12 rakats:
- 4 Sunnat Muakkadah
- 4 Fardh (obligatory)
- 2 Sunnat Muakkadah
- 2 Nafl (optional)
Mandatory Components:
- The Fardh (obligatory) rakats are 4 in number.
Ignoring Fardh intentionally, knowing it is an obligation, is considered a grave matter and could lead to being labeled a disbeliever. Sunnat Muakkadah:
The first 4 rakats are Sunnat Muakkadah (regularly practiced by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). Leaving out Sunnat Muakkadah without a valid reason is considered a sin.
Nafl (Optional):
The last 2 rakats are Nafl, which are optional prayers.
Time for Dhuhr Prayer:
- The time for Dhuhr prayer starts after the sun passes its zenith.
- It lasts until approximately 20 minutes before the call for the Asr prayer.
Significance of Dhuhr Prayer:
- There is a Hadith mentioning that during the time of Dhuhr Salat, the gates of heaven open.
And Allah knows best