When And How Is Ishraq Or Duha (Mid-Morning) Prayer Established?

When and how is ishraq or duha (mid-morning) prayer established?

Ishraq or duha prayer is established when the prohibited time ends with sun’s rising five degree (a spear length) on the horizon, that is to say, in the first mid-morning approximately 40-50 minutes after sunrise. The imporance of this prayer is explained in a hadith qudsi as follows, “O, children of Adam, do not fail to establish four-rakat prayer for me in the early hours of day so I give guarantee to protect you at the end of the day.” (Abu Dawud, Tatawwu’, 12)

Duha prayer, which is highly advised in hadith books, may be established in four, eight, or twelve rakats (Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 78-83). It is said that it may be established at least in two rakats. It is more virtuous to give salam in every two rakats. However, one may give salam in every four rakats, too (Tahtawi, Hashiyah, p. 395).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWAS