Chasht (Duha): Quran and Hadith
References from the Quran and hadith, with the Sunni view (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali) and the Shia view (Jafari) side by side.
Timing of Chasht (Duha)
Sunni view (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali)
- Sahih Muslim 748 The prayer of the oft-returning (awwabin) is when the young camels feel the heat of the sun: the best time for Duha, about a quarter of the day.
- Sahih Muslim 831 Do not pray when the sun is at its highest until it passes the meridian, so Duha ends shortly before Dhuhr.
Shia view (Jafari)
- Narrations from the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt describe the Duha prayer as an innovation, so the Jafari school does not count it among the recommended prayers.
Benefits of Chasht (Duha)
Sunni view (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali)
- Sahih Muslim 720 Charity is due on every joint each morning, and two rak‘ahs of Duha are enough for it.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1981, Sahih Muslim 721 Abu Hurayra: my friend ﷺ advised me to fast three days each month, pray two rak‘ahs of Duha, and pray Witr before sleeping.
Shia view (Jafari)
- Not counted among the recommended prayers in the Jafari school.
The Chasht (Duha) prayer: rak‘ahs
Sunni view (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali)
- At least 2 rak‘ahs.
- Sahih Muslim 719 Aisha: he ﷺ prayed Duha four rak‘ahs, and more as Allah willed.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1176, Sahih Muslim 336 Umm Hani: on the day Makkah was conquered he ﷺ prayed eight rak‘ahs in the forenoon.
Shia view (Jafari)
- Not prayed as a separate prayer in the Jafari school.
Hadith numbers follow sunnah.com. Jafari sources are named by book, volume and chapter.
References for the other prayers
Last updated: Tuesday, 6 October 2026