Praise be to Allaah.

Salaat al-Awwaabeen is otherwise known as Salaat al-Duhaa, and may consist of 2, 4, 6 or 8 rakahs, prayed after the sun has risen and before the time for Zuhr approaches. It is better to delay it until the day is hotter, the evidence for which is as follows:

From Zayd ibn Arqam who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to the people of Qubaa and found them praying. He said: Salaat al-Awwaabeen is when the young camels lift up their feet (because of the heat of the sand). (Reported by Muslim, 1238).

According to a report narrated by Imaam Ahmad from Zayd ibn Arqam, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to or entered the mosque at Qubaa after the sun had risen, and found the people there praying. He said: Salaat al-Duhaa should be prayed when the young camels lift up their feet (because of the heat of the sand).

According to a report narrated by Muslim from al-Qaasim al-Shaybaani, Zayd ibn Arqam saw some people praying Duhaa and said: Do they not know that praying at some other time than this is better? The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Salaat al-Awwaabeen is when the young camels lift up their feet (because of the heat of the sand). (Saheeh Muslim, 1237).

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The phrase Salaat al-Awwaabeen is when the young camels lift up their feet (because of the heat of the sand) refers to when the sand becomes unbearably hot from the suns heat, and burns the soles of the young camels feet, so they alternately raise and lower their feet in response to the heat of the sand. Al-Awwaab means one who is obedient, or one who turns to obedience. The hadeeth also refers to the best time to offer this prayer, although it is permissible to pray it any time after the sun has risen and before it reaches its zenith.