As-Salamu Alaikum, Dear Minara Family,

This week we’re diving into the beautiful Sunnah of of Salat al Duha, plus how to infuse our prayers with deep conviction, and reflecting on the ongoing situation in Palestine.

Reaping the Rewards of the Forenoon Prayer

Salat Al Duha, also known as the forenoon prayer, holds a special place in Islam due to its numerous virtues and the unique time it is performed.

Often overlooked, this prayer is a beautiful way to restart your day after the morning rush has settled!

When and How to Perform Salatul Duha:

- Timing: It can be prayed anytime after the sun fully rises but before it reaches its zenith, approximately 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise until about 30 minutes before Dhuhr.

- How Many Rakats?: You can pray as little as two rakats and up to twelve, typically in sets of two.

It was narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that he said: “In the morning a charity is due from every joint of one of you. Every tasbeehah is a charity, every tahmeedah is a charity, every tahleelah is a charity, every takbeerah is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two rak‘ahs offered in the forenoon (Duha) will suffice for that.” Narrated by Muslim

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that performing the Duha prayer forgives sins and provides for daily sustenance.

It's known as the prayer of the penitent, as it symbolises turning to Allah in a time usually filled with worldly activities.

Spiritual Reflection: It offers a moment of quiet reflection during the hustle of the day.

Regular Charity: Each limb performs a charity each day; performing two rakats of the Duha prayer serves as a charity for every joint in the body.

Enhanced Gratitude: It allows you to express gratitude for the blessings of a new day.

Why you pray influences how you pray.

Going beyond the notion of obligation to one of conviction can profoundly change your prayer experience.

So how exactly do we have conviction in our Salah? 👇

Reflect on Your Blessings: Before you begin your Salah, think about the blessings in your life. Consider the protection and guidance Allah has provided you.

Feel the Emotion: Allow yourself to feel genuinely moved by the blessing Allah's has bestowed and the personal care He has shown in your life.

Pray Out of Love: Approach each Salah not just as a duty but as an opportunity to connect with Allah, thanking Him for His blessings and trusting in His plans.

Praying with conviction brings your heart into alignment with your actions, deepening the impact and sincerity of your prayers.

Keeping Our Eyes on Rafah

As the situation in Palestine remains critical, particularly in Rafah, it is crucial for us as a global community to keep our brothers and sisters in our prayers. Now more than ever, our support through dua is needed.

Reflecting on Change:

Divine Wisdom: Allah tells us in the Qur'an, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves" (Quran 13:11). This verse calls us to personal and communal reflection—how can we support change both within and around us?

Continued Advocacy and Prayer: While advocating for peace and justice, let's also intensify our duas for the safety, freedom, and dignity of the Palestinian people.

As we continue to navigate our journey with Salah, let’s remember the power of prayer, both in seeking personal growth and in advocating for global change. May our prayers be accepted, and may peace prevail in all corners of the world.

With blessings,

The Minara Team 🌙