How To Perform Maghrib Prayer?

Maghrib prayer is performed right after sunset, consisting of three obligatory rak’ahs and two Sunnah rak’ahs. This prayer offers a moment of spiritual respite, allowing believers to connect with Allah after the day’s activities. Below is a detailed explanation of each step.

Introduction

Maghrib (evening) prayer is the fourth of the five daily prayers, commencing immediately after the sun sets below the horizon. This prayer is a chance to end the day with a renewed focus on Allah, seeking spiritual tranquility. It comprises three obligatory rak’ahs (fard), followed by two Sunnah rak’ahs. Additionally, according to authentic sources, praying two non-obligatory (nafl) rak’ahs before the fard is also permissible.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Muslim)

Prayer Time and Preparation

The time for Maghrib begins the moment the sun disappears below the horizon and lasts until the redness of dusk fades. It is preferable not to delay Maghrib excessively, as it is best to pray it soon after the time enters. Before starting, one should perform ablution (wudu) to cleanse both body and soul. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Wudu is half of faith.”
(Sahih al-Muslim)

Brief Steps of Wudu

1. Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for the sake of Allah.
2. Washing the Hands: Wash up to the wrists three times.
3. Rinsing the Mouth and Nose: Rinse the mouth and gently sniff water into the nostrils, three times each.
4. Washing the Face: From the hairline to the chin, ear to ear, three times.
5. Washing the Arms: From fingertips to elbows (right then left), three times each.
6. Wiping the Head: Pass wet hands over the head once.
7. Cleaning the Ears: Wipe inside and outside of the ears with wet fingers.
8. Washing the Feet: Up to and including the ankles, three times each.

Number of Rak’ahs in Maghrib Prayer

1. Three Rak’ahs of Fard (Obligatory):
   • In the first two rak’ahs, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a short surah.
   • In the third rak’ah, reciting only Surah Al-Fatihah is generally sufficient.
2. Two Rak’ahs of Sunnah:
   • Performed immediately after the obligatory prayer.
   • Each rak’ah includes Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a short surah.

Additionally, two nafl (voluntary) rak’ahs before the fard may be offered in some schools, considered mustahabb (recommended).

Intention and Opening Takbir

Before starting, silently make the intention in your heart: “I intend to perform three obligatory rak’ahs of Maghrib Prayer for Allah’s sake.” Then, raise your hands to shoulder level and say:

Allahu Akbar
(Allah is the Greatest)

This opening takbir (iftitah) signifies leaving worldly thoughts behind and directing one’s heart solely to Allah.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

First Rak’ah

1. Qiyam (Standing):
   • Fold your hands (below the navel in the Hanafi school, or at chest level in the Shafi’i school).
   • Recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
   • After Al-Fatihah, recite a short surah or a few Quranic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
2. Ruku (Bowing):
   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow.
   • Place your hands on your knees, keep your back straight.
   • Say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
3. Rising from Ruku:
   • Say “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears whoever praises Him).
   • Then “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd” (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).
4. Sujud (Prostration):
   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate.
   • Forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch the ground.
   • Recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
   • Sit briefly between the two prostrations, then repeat the second sujud in the same manner.

Second Rak’ah

After completing the first rak’ah, rise for the second:

1. Qiyam:
   • Recite Al-Fatihah and a short surah.
2. Ruku and Rising:
   • Same procedure as the first rak’ah.
3. Sujud (Two Prostrations):
   • Same steps as before.

After the second sujud, sit and recite the Tashahhud:

At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat
All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah.

As-salamu alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.

As-salamu alayna wa ala ibadillahi-s-salihin
Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.

Since Maghrib is three rak’ahs, this second-rak’ah sitting is a “short sitting.” Then, stand up for the third rak’ah.

Third Rak’ah

In the third rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah (some opinions allow skipping the short surah here). Proceed with Ruku and Sujud as before. After the final sujud, sit again. This time, recite the Tashahhud along with:

Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammad
O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.

Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin wa ala ali Muhammad
O Allah, bestow Your grace upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.

Conclude the obligatory part of the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, each time saying:

As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

Two Rak’ahs of Sunnah

Immediately after the three fard rak’ahs, it is strongly recommended to perform two Sunnah rak’ahs. In each rak’ah, recite Al-Fatihah followed by a short surah, complete Ruku, Sujud, and finish with the final Tashahhud and Tasleem.

Post-Prayer Dhikr and Du’a

After completing Maghrib Prayer, spending a few moments in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and supplication helps nourish the soul. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged saying Subhanallah (33 times), Alhamdulillah (33 times), and Allahu Akbar (34 times) after prayer.
(Sahih al-Muslim)

A commonly recited supplication is:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azaban-nar
Our Lord, grant us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Summary and Conclusion

Maghrib prayer begins immediately after sunset and includes three fard rak’ahs followed by two Sunnah rak’ahs. It serves as a meaningful pause to reconnect with Allah at day’s end. From ablution to intention, from reciting Al-Fatihah to performing Ruku, Sujud, Tashahhud, and finally Tasleem, each act represents a deep submission to the Creator. Observing Maghrib promptly and with sincerity infuses life with tranquility and discipline, reflecting the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) practice.

References

• Sahih al-Bukhari
• Sahih al-Muslim
• Tirmidhi, Ilm and Adab
• Riyad as-Salihin
• Imam al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din

Performing Maghrib Prayer on time and with devotion offers a peaceful conclusion to the day, cleansing the heart and mind. May every step in this sacred ritual draw you closer to Allah and enrich your spiritual journey.

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