Duha prayer is a voluntary (Sunnah) prayer performed after sunrise. Allah mentions the morning in the Qur'an:
"وَالضُّحَىٰ" (الضحى: 1)
Meaning: "By the morning brightness." [1] This prayer brings blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual reward to the believer.

Begin by performing wudu (ablution) to purify yourself. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الإِيْمَانِ" (رواه مسلم)
Meaning: "Purity is half of faith." [2] Correct wudu ensures the Duha prayer is valid.

Make the intention (niyyah) silently in your heart for Duha prayer. No verbal declaration is necessary, but sincerity is required. [3]

Start the prayer by saying Takbiratul Ihram – Allahu Akbar, raising your hands. The minimum Duha prayer is two rak'ahs, but it can be increased to four, six, or eight rak'ahs. [4]

In each rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by a short surah such as Surah Al-Ikhlas. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"من صلى الضحى أثاب الله له" (رواه Abu Dawood)
Meaning: "Whoever prays Duha, Allah will reward him." [5]

Perform Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) in the same manner as other prayers, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" in Ruku and "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" in Sujood three times each. [6]

Duha prayer can be performed anytime after the sun has fully risen until just before Dhuhr prayer. Many Sahaba preferred praying Duha mid-morning for extra reward.

A practical example: Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported that he would pray Duha regularly, saying: "The Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to perform Duha prayer as a way to earn additional blessings every morning." [7]

Conclude with Dua after the prayer, asking Allah for guidance, sustenance, and forgiveness. Duha prayer is a means of attaining Allah's mercy and increasing barakah in daily life. [8]


References:

1. Qur'an, Surah Ad-Duha, 93:1


2. Sahih Muslim, Book of Purification


3. Al-Muwatta Imam Malik, Book of Prayer


4. Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Voluntary Prayer


5. Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 575


6. Riyad as-Salihin, Hadith on Voluntary Prayers


7. Sahih Bukhari & Muslim, Hadith of Abu Hurairah


8. Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh, Wahbah al-Zuhayli