Answered by Shaykh Iyad al-Ghawj
Salams. (1) Having read the posts in the sunnipath archive, i understand that the optimal minimum is 4 rakahs for duha (in the hanafi school), however how are these prayed in terms of recitation, are they the same as 4 rakahs of sunnah ghair muakida (i.e.reciting durood in 1st sitting…etc) And what surahs are recommended to recite?
(2) I understand that in the hanafi school it is sunnah for the thumbs to reach the earlobes in takbir tahriman, however can one make the takbir with the hands in front of the ears(similar to a shafi takbir). And can one hold the hands up while making niya, or must they be down by the side? Jazakallah khairun. Wasalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
The minimum number of rak’ats for the Duha prayer are two, average 4 and maximum are 8, and according to some, the maximum are eight only. And to pray Eight Rak’ats is preferable.
But according to the majority of the scholars it is preferable to pray four rak’ats as it is understood from the authentic traditions. It is mentioned one should pray: Surah al-Shams, al-layl, al-Duha and al-Inshirah. One can perform the second sitting reciting durud after Tashahud and without too.
It is also valid to raise the hands upto the ears without touching the earlobes. One’s hands should on the side during the intention.
And Allah Knows Best