Zuhr
/zuːr/noun
The Islamic prayer performed around midday, after the sun has passed its zenith.
Did you know?Zuhr comes from Arabic ẓuhr, a word connected with midday and the visible or outward aspect of things, reflecting the sun’s prominence at noon.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ẓ-h-r
“A reconstructed root associated with appearing, becoming manifest, or the back and outer side.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ẓahr
“Back, outer surface, or what becomes apparent.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ẓuhr
“Midday or noon, traditionally associated with the sun’s visible prominence.”
7th Century
Arabic
ṣalāt al-ẓuhr
“The midday ritual prayer in Islam.”
19th–20th Century
English
zuhr
“An English loanword for the Islamic noon prayer.”