Are the four rak'ahs mentioned in the Hadith Qudsi: "O son of Adam, suffice Me with four rak'ahs at the beginning of the day, and I shall suffice you for the rest of it" the Duha prayer? If so, when are their prescribed times and how are they performed?

Scholars differed in defining what is meant by the four rak'ahs mentioned in the hadith (definition). Some believe it refers to the Duha prayer, while others believe it refers to the Fajr prayer and its Sunnah (definition) (supererogatory prayer).

First Opinion: It refers to the Duha prayer. Al-Shawkani said: "It is said: It is possible that what is meant by it is the obligatory Fajr prayer and the two rak'ahs of Fajr; because it is truly what is at the beginning of the day, and its meaning would be like his (peace be upon him) saying: 'Whoever prays Fajr is under Allah's protection.'" The time for the Duha prayer: From after sunrise and its elevation (about fifteen minutes after sunrise) until just before the time of the Dhuhr prayer.

Second Opinion: It refers to the Fajr prayer and its Sunnah. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "I heard Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah say: 'These four, in my opinion, are Fajr and its Sunnah.'" The time for the Fajr prayer and its Sunnah: From the appearance of dawn until sunrise.

How to pray: It is prayed two rak'ahs at a time, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The prayer of the night and day is two by two."

Meaning of "(I will suffice you for its end)": This means that Allah protects the servant from evils, tribulations, afflictions, and sins that might occur at the end of the day, so the servant remains under Allah's protection and care.