How to Pray Maghrib
To learn how to pray Maghrib, start with the intention (niyyah), say Allahu Akbar, and perform three rakats: two are prayed aloud with Fatiha and another surah, and the third silently.
Follow proper ruku, sujood, and tashahhud.
The Maghrib prayer, known in Arabic as Ṣalāt al-Maghrib (صلاة المغرب), is the fourth of the five daily obligatory prayers in Islam.
It is performed just after sunset, marking the transition from day to night and serving as a peaceful reminder to pause and reconnect with Allah.
Pray Maghrib contains three rak’ahs, and it is the fourth in order of prayers.
Maghrib prayer begins immediately after sunset, following Asr prayer, and ends at the start of Isha prayer.
For every practicing Muslim, learning how to pray Maghrib is essential, as it includes specific rakats, recitations, and timings.
Whether you are a beginner, teaching your children, or refreshing your understanding of Islamic practices.
This guide offers a simple, step-by-step approach to performing Maghrib namaz correctly.
From the proper niyyah to the final tasleem, each part of the prayer carries deep spiritual meaning.
Join us as we walk you through how to pray Maghrib, following the guidance of the Quran, Sunnah.
Trusted platform Fajr Al-Quran Academy, your source for authentic Islamic learning.
What is the Pray Maghrib Prayer
Among Islam’s five obligatory daily prayers, Maghrib holds a special place.
It is the fourth prayer of the day, offered just after sunset, when the reddish whiteness disappears from the sky.
The Maghrib prayer, just like fajr salah, dhuhr (zuhr), asr, and isha, is Fard and must be performed at its designated time.
As the Islamic calendar follows a lunar schedule, the times for prayers may shift slightly each day.
By following an accurate prayer timetable, such as the one provided by Fajr Al-Quran Academy, Muslims can ensure they pray each prayer correctly and on time.
The word Maghrib itself refers to sunset, and the prayer offered during this period is also called Salat al-Maghrib.
How Many Rakats in Maghrib Prayer
Understanding the structure of the Maghrib prayer is essential for anyone looking to know how to pray Maghrib correctly.
This salah consists of:
- 3 Rakat Fard
- 2 Rakat Sunnah (recommended/optional)
- 2 Rakat Nafl (voluntary – optional)
- 3 Rakat Witr (offered later in the night, often with Isha)
- The 3 rakat fard are the mandatory units that every Muslim must pray during Maghrib.
Skipping them without a valid reason results in missing an obligatory act of worship.
The sunnah, though optional, is highly recommended and rewardable.
Many mosques and congregational or(jama’) (جماعة) groups also encourage their congregants to pray the sunnah rak`ahs after the fard part is completed.
Each rakah or unit of salah includes a sequence of postures and recitations, starting from niyah and ending with tasleem (salutation).
These rak`ahs form the core structure of any Islamic prayer, including Maghrib, and help in developing a disciplined daily lifestyle rooted in Islam.
When to Perform Pray Maghrib Prayer?
Maghrib begins immediately after sunset before Isha prayer.
According to Islamic teachings, its time lasts until the red glow in the sky vanishes and night fully sets in.
Roughly about 45 to 70 minutes after sunset, depending on the season and location.
It’s important to refer to an accurate Islamic calendar or a daily prayer timetable.
Like the guide one provided by Fajr Al-Quran Academy.
These timetables list the exact adhan (أذان) and iqamah times for each salah, ensuring you never miss a prayer.
It is recommended to perform pray Maghrib as early as possible. Delaying it without a valid excuse goes against the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
If you’re traveling or live in a region where mosques are far, you may also consider combining (jamát) Maghrib with Isha prayer, provided the conditions are met as per Islamic jurisprudence.
How to Pray Maghrib.
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to pray Maghrib 3 Rakats Fard of Maghrib prayer (Salah).
Follow this structured method, which is taught by scholars at the Fajr Al-Quran Academy, the leading platform for learning and mastering the Quran and (prayer) salah.
Preparing For Maghrib Prayer
Preparing for Maghrib prayer involves making wudu, checking prayer time, facing the qibla, and setting a sincere intention.
The First Raka’h on how to pray Maghrib.
- Face the Qibla and Stand (Qiyam)
Stand straight on the praying mat, facing the qibla (Kaaba in the city of Makkah), with feet shoulder-width apart and eyes fixed at the place of sujood (prostration).
Start focusing on how to pray Maghrib
2. Make the Intention
Start with your niyah (intention) silently in your heart by reciting: “I intend to offer 3 rakat fard of Maghrib prayer (Salah) for the sake of Allah.”
3. Takbeer (Allahu Akbar)
Raise both hs to your ears with palms facing forward and say: “Allahu Akbar”—this is the opening takbeer.
4. Place Your Hands
Place your right palm over the left, positioned between your chest and navel. Keep your gaze lowered.
5. Recite Opening Supplication (Sana)
Softly recite the Sana:
Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaaha ghayruk.
6. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha
This is a must in each rakah. Recite it aloud in the first two rakat:
Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalameen… (complete it).
7. Recite Another Surah
After Al-Fatiha, choose a short surah or a few verses from the Quran—for example, Al-Ikhlas, and recite it audibly.
8. Ruku (Bowing)
Say “Allahu Akbar”, bend into ruku, keeping your back straight and hands on knees. Recite:
Subhaana Rabbiyal Adheem (at least 3 times).
9. Stand Up (Qaumah)
Rise from ruku, saying:
“Sami Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd.”
10. Sujood (Prostration)
Say “Allahu Akbar”, go into sujood, touching forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes to the ground. Recite:
Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la (3 times).
11. Sit Between Sujood
Say “Allahu Akbar”, sit with your thigh/knees touching the ground, and hand on your thighs. Then go for the second sujood.
Second Raka’h on how to pray Maghrib.
12. Second and Third Rakah.
Repeat the above steps. In the second rakah, after sujood, sit and recite half Tashahhud.
“At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.”
Then stand for the third rakah, in which only Al-Fatiha is recited silently.
13. Final Sitting to pray Maghrib.
After the final sujood, sit and recite the entire Tashahhud,
“At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat.
as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh.
As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen.
ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadiw wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed.
Allahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin.
kamaa baarakta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed.”
After the final Tashahhud, lower your index finger, place your palms on your knees.
And turn your head to the right, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you).
Also, repeat to the left and say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”.
You’ve now completed the Maghrib Fard prayer successfully.
How Do You Perform Pray Maghrib Sunnah Prayer?
Sunnah consists of two rakah after the 3 fard rakahs of maghrib prayer,
These sunnah prayers were regularly prayed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are highly recommended.
They are done silently, unlike the Fard portion.
Maghrib prayer Sunnah:
- Make niyah for 2 rakats sunnah.
2. Perform the prayer exactly like any 2-rakah prayer:
- Recite Al-Fatiha and another surah in both rakats.
- Recite silently throughout.
- After Tashahhud and salutations, finish with Tasleem to both sides.
These additional rakats allow Muslims to earn more rewards and enhance their spiritual connection with Allah.
Some even choose to stay a little longer in mosques or their prayer spaces after Maghrib, reflecting on the Quran, making dua, for reading dhikr.
Conclusion
Learning how to pray Maghrib (maġrib) properly is essential for every Muslim, especially with many common mistakes made in recitation, voice, and timing.
Whether you missed a prayer or want to improve your audible recitation, Fajr Al-Quran Academy largest online Islamic center, helps you learn each rak` easily.
Discover how to combine prayers when necessary, understand the difference between duhr, asar, isyak, and Maghrib, and follow the imam in jummah (Jumuah) or Friday khutbah.
With view options for sunrise, layl, and current prayer times.
Our platform ensures you never run out of stock of spiritual guidance, especially during Hijjah and special dates of the Islamic calendar.
Join our service and stay on the path of correct salah.
