When Does Maghreb End?


Answered by Ustadh Omar Popal

Question

When does Maghreb end?

Answer

Dear questioner,

 

Thank you for your important question.

 

Most Islamic Applications for prayer timings are correct and can be followed. However, it is important for every Muslim to know the basic prayer times. Consider taking this class to excel in your knowledge of Prayer and it’s timings:

 

On Worship (Purification, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj): Shurunbulali’s Ascent to Felicity

https://seekersguidance.org/courses/on-worship-purification-prayer-fasting-zakat-and-hajj-shurunbulalis-ascent-to-felicity/

 

According to the Hanafi School, the Maghreb prayer time begins at sunset and the end of its time is as long as the twilight (the redness in the sky) has not departed. The Isha prayer begins as soon as the twilight has departed.

 

The recommended time to pray Maghreb is when it enters until the sky fills with stars (I.e. roughly 20 minutes after it enters). This is based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace): “My nation will continue to be upon righteousness as long as they pray Maghreb before the sky fills with stars.” [Abu Dawud, al-Sunan]

 

Praying Maghreb after this time (the sky filling with stars) is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman).

[Tahtawi, Hashiya Maraqi al-Falah]

One should try their best to pray Maghreb as soon as it enters. Of course, if one is in a situation where they have no choice but to delay praying Maghreb right before Isha, this is permissible.

 

Please see:

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/is-there-a-basis-for-saying-oh-allah-save-me-from-the-fire-seven-times-after-fajr-and-maghrib/

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/avoiding-staying-out-after-maghrib-is-there-any-religious-basis-for-this/

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/permissible-times-for-make-up-prayers/

 

May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to perfect your prayer for his sake.

 

And Allah alone knows best.

 

[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani