Maghrib Prayer
The sunset prayer, performed immediately after sunset
Rakats Breakdown
Sunnah (Before)
0
Fardh
3
Sunnah (After)
2
Nafl
2
Witr
0
Total Rakats
7
Follows the Hanafi school of thought. Minor variations may exist in other schools. All schools agree on the Fardh (obligatory) rakats.
Prayer Time
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 Points
- The only daily prayer with an odd number of Fardh rakats
- Has a relatively short time window
- Should be prayed promptly after sunset
- Time for breaking the fast during Ramadan
Islamic 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)