(Series on Nafl Salaahs #4 – Salaatud Dhuha)
Salaatud Dhuha, commonly known as Chaasht Namaaz, is among the various nafl salaahs which have been mentioned in the blessed hadeeth.
The time of Salaatud Dhuha commences from after sunrise (i.e. after fifteen to twenty minutes from sunrise) until zawaal. However, it is better to perform Salaatud Dhuha in the second half of this time. One may perform between two and twelve rakaats for Salaatud Dhuha.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that every morning, sadaqah must be given on behalf of the joints of the body. Since there are approximately 360 joints in the human body, one may wonder how he will manage to give sadaqah on behalf of all these joints on a daily basis. However, the method is very easy and is affordable for one and all. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Every ‘subhaanallah’ is a sadaqah, every ‘alhamdulillah’ is a sadaqah, every ‘la ilaaha illallah’ is a sadaqah, every ‘Allahu Akbar’ is a sadaqah, enjoining good is a sadaqah, and preventing from evil is a sadaqah.” Finally, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Performing two rakaats of Salaatud Dhuha will suffice for all of that (i.e. it will suffice as sadaqah on behalf of all the joints in the body).” (Saheeh Muslim #1671)
In regard to the reward which one will receive for performing Salaatud Dhuha, Sayyiduna Abud Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who performs two rakaats of Salaatud Dhuha will not be recorded among the negligent. The one who performs four rakaats (of Salaatud Dhuha) will be recorded among the worshippers. The one who performs six rakaats of (Salaatud Dhuha), his needs for the day will be sufficed (and fulfilled by Allah Ta‘ala). The one who performs eight rakaats (of Salaatud Dhuha), Allah Ta‘ala will record him among those who are devoutly obedient (to Allah Ta‘ala). The one who performs twelve rakaats (of Salaatud Dhuha), Allah Ta‘ala will build for him a palace in Jannah.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #3458)
In another hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that if one performs four rakaats of salaah before midday (i.e. Salaatud Dhuha), then he will be rewarded as though he had performed these rakaats on Laylatul Qadr. (Shu‘abul Imaan #8553)
Over and above the immense rewards that one will acquire through performing Salaatud Dhuha, this salaah also causes one’s minor sins to be expiated and erased. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who safeguards (i.e. punctually performs) two rakaats of Salaatud Dhuha, his (minor) sins will be forgiven, even if they are as abundant as the foam in the ocean.” (Sunan Tirmizi #476)
May Allah Ta‘ala assist us all to avail of the valuable opportunities we have to perform this salaah and acquire these immense rewards, aameen.