Narrated `Aisha radiyallahu `anhaa: Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam
used to pray four rak`at in Duha prayer and added whatever Allah wished for him. [Reported
by Muslim]
Let it be known that Ishraaq, Salaat ul-Awwabin and Duha are different names that stand
for identically the same forenoon prayer. The time of this prayer starts with the sunrise
and goes on until one-fourth of the day. The least number of Rak`at of Duha prayer are two
and the maximum is twelve. The preferable among them are four which is supported and
approved by the Ahadith of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam. It may also be
remembered that this prayer is a Sunnah of former Messengers as they used to offer it
during their times. Hence this prayer is a Sunnah and mustahabb (desirable). As to the
matter of this prayer being called a Bid`ah (innovation) by `Umar radiyallahu `anhu, it
only alludes to the fact that if someone develops a habit of continually offering it, it
may be regarded as an innovation, as the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam did not
always offer it.
Narrated Zaid bin Arqam radiyallahu `anhu: Allah’s Messenger sallallahu
`alayhi wa sallam, "The prayer of those who are penitent is offered when the young
weaned camels feel the heat of the sun." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi]
This Hadith indicates that the best time of Duha prayer is just before noon.
Narrated Anas radiyallahu `anhu: Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam
said, "Whoever prays twelve rak`at of Duha, Allah will build a castle for him in
Paradise." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi who graded it Gharib (unfamiliar, doubtful).]
Narrated `Aisha radiyallahu `anhaa: Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam
entered my house and prayed eight Rak`at of Duha prayer. [Reported by Ibn Hibban in his
Sahih].
