Is it permissible to pray the Dhuha prayer in congregation, and what is its time and number of rak'ahs?

The questioner : Shaykh Muhammad, the questioner is with us on the line. She asks: Is it permissible for women to pray the Dhuha prayer in congregation, whether with men or with women?

The Shaykh : This is permissible at times. That is, it is permissible at times for people to pray in congregation the sunnah of Dhuha, or the rawatib, or the tahajjud at night. But not always, only at times. Because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — may Allah keep you safe — used to pray voluntary prayers in congregation with some of his Companions at times. As for making that a regular practice, that is not permissible. It becomes a bid'ah (religious innovation), and every bid'ah is misguidance.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good. What is the time for the Dhuha prayer? And how many rak'ahs does it have, O Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Its time is from when the sun rises the length of a spear, meaning about an hour after sunrise, until ten minutes before the midday prayer. It does not have a specific number. The minimum is two rak'ahs, and the maximum is whatever Allah wills. That is, if one prays twenty rak'ahs or thirty, there is no barrier. But the most important thing is that a person be humble in his prayer, present in heart, and tranquil, not turning his head to the right or left during his prayer.