Maghrib prayer
The sunset prayer, performed immediately after sunset
How many rakats is Maghrib?
How many rakats is Maghrib? 3 fardh, 2 sunnah after the fardh, 2 nafl. This page lists 7 in the site’s total column, which sums every category in the table.
Rakats breakdown
Sunnah and witr in this table follow one common presentation (Hanafi) where schools differ; obligatory (fardh) rakats are the same across Sunni schools. Minor variations appear in other schools.
Overview
Maghrib is the fourth daily prayer, performed right after sunset. It has a relatively short time window, which emphasizes the importance of praying it promptly. It consists of 3 Fardh rakats (the only odd-numbered Fardh prayer), followed by 2 Sunnah Muakkadah and 2 optional Nafl rakats. The two sunnah after Maghrib are one of the emphasized rawatib on this site. The time begins at sunset and ends when the red twilight disappears.
When it is prayed
From sunset until the red twilight disappears from the sky
"Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night."
— Quran 17:78
Read verseKey reminders
- The only daily prayer with an odd number of Fardh rakats
- Has a relatively short time window
- Its two sunnah after Maghrib are part of the emphasized rawatib pattern
- Should be prayed promptly after sunset
- Time for breaking the fast during Ramadan
Related pages
- Rawatib after Maghrib
Why the two sunnah after Maghrib matter in the daily routine.
- Daily prayers
See Maghrib in the full order of the five daily prayers.
Sources
"The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray Maghrib when the sun had set and disappeared from sight."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 561
Read full reference"Whoever prays two rak'ahs after Maghrib before speaking, it will be written in 'Illiyyeen."
— Al-Mu'jam al-Awsat 1/220 (Da'if but showing the virtue)