Understanding Maghrib Prayer: Importance of Maghrib Rakats, Dhikr, and Dua
Hi, dear readers! Are you looking for an explanation of Maghrib prayer, rakats of Maghrib, dhikr Maghrib, and dua Maghrib? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that is what I will explain here. As Muslims, it is important for us to understand these concepts. That is why I wrote this article. So, be sure to read it until the end!
Specifically, I will cover some important points about Maghrib prayer, including its rakats, dhikr, and dua, which I will explain in this article. The key points I want to discuss are as follows:
What Is Maghrib Prayer?
The first important point about Maghrib prayer, its rakats, dhikr, and dua is: "What is Maghrib prayer?" I want you to grasp this concept first, as it is a fundamental part of our discussion that must be clearly understood.
In general, if we examine various Islamic legal texts regarding the Maghrib prayer, we find that it is classified as one of the obligatory prayers in Islam. This means that Muslims who have reached maturity and do not have any valid excuses according to Islamic teachings are required to perform the Maghrib prayer. Failing to do so constitutes a sin.
Read Also: How to Combine Maghrib and Isha Prayers Effectively?
Maghrib prayer is an obligatory prayer in Islam that must be performed after sunset. This marks the time for the Maghrib prayer, which is explained in the hadith below.
Hadith about Maghrib Prayer and Maghrib Prayer Times
Regarding the hadith about Maghrib prayer and its timings, here is what I mean:
عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ لَمَّا قَدِمَ الْحَجَّاجُ الْمَدِينَةَ فَسَأَلْنَا جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُصَلِّي الظُّهْرَ بِالْهَاجِرَةِ وَالْعَصْرَ وَالشَّمْسُ نَقِيَّةٌ وَالْمَغْرِبَ إِذَا وَجَبَتْ وَالْعِشَاءَ أَحْيَانًا يُؤَخِّرُهَا وَأَحْيَانًا يُعَجِّلُ كَانَ إِذَا رَآهُمْ قَدِ اجْتَمَعُوا عَجَّلَ وَإِذَا رَآهُمْ قَدْ أَبْطَئُوا أَخَّرَ وَالصُّبْحَ كَانُوا أَوْ - قَالَ - كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُصَلِّيهَا بِغَلَسٍ
From Muhammad bin Amr bin al-Hasan bin Ali: When Hajjaj came to Medina, we asked Jabir bin Abdullah about the timings of prayer as observed by the Holy Prophet. He said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to pray the afternoon prayer in the midday heat; the afternoon prayer when the sun was bright; the evening prayer when the sun had completely set; and as for the night prayer, he sometimes delayed and sometimes observed it earlier. When he found his companions assembled (at earlier hours), he prayed early; and when he saw them coming late, he delayed the prayer. He observed the morning prayer in the darkness before dawn.
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: وَقْتُ الظُّهْرِ إِذَا زَالَتِ الشَّمْسُ وَكَانَ ظِلُّ الرَّجُلِ كَطُولِهِ مَا لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الْعَصْرُ وَوَقْتُ الْعَصْرِ مَا لَمْ تَصْفَرَّ الشَّمْسُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ مَا لَمْ يَغِبِ الشَّفَقُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ إِلَى نِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ الأَوْسَطِ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ مِنْ طُلُوعِ الْفَجْرِ مَا لَمْ تَطْلُعِ الشَّمْسُ فَإِذَا طَلَعَتِ الشَّمْسُ فَأَمْسِكْ عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّهَا تَطْلُعُ بَيْنَ قَرْنَىْ شَيْطَانٍ
From Abdullah bin Amr, it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The time for the noon prayer is when the sun passes the meridian and a man's shadow is the same (length) as his height, lasting until the time for the afternoon prayer begins; the time for the afternoon prayer lasts as long as the sun has not become pale; the time for the evening prayer lasts until twilight has ended; the time for the night prayer extends to the middle of the night, while the time for the morning prayer starts from dawn, as long as the sun has not risen. However, when the sun rises, one should refrain from prayer, for it rises between the horns of the devil.
This provides a brief explanation of "What is Maghrib prayer, the hadith about Maghrib prayer, and the timings of Maghrib prayer." As Muslims, we must understand this.
How Many Rakats Are in Maghrib?
The next important point about Maghrib prayer, its rakats, dhikr, and dua is: "How many rakats are in Maghrib?" I want you to understand this because it is an essential question that Muslims must grasp well.
In general, if we consult various Islamic legal texts on Maghrib prayer, we find that there are three rakats in Maghrib. This means that Muslims performing the Maghrib prayer must pray three rakats.
We can find the explanation that Maghrib consists of three rakats in the following hadith:
Hadith about Rakats in Maghrib
Now, regarding the hadith about rakats in Maghrib, here’s what I mean:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ زَوْجِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَتْ: كَانَ أَوَّلَ مَا افْتُرِضَ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الصَّلَاةُ رَكْعَتَانِ رَكْعَتَانِ إِلَّا الْمَغْرِبَ فَإِنَّهَا كَانَتْ ثَلَاثًا ثُمَّ أَتَمَّ اللَّهُ الظُّهْرَ وَالْعَصْرَ وَالْعِشَاءَ الْآخِرَةَ أَرْبَعًا فِي الْحَضَرِ وَأَقَرَّ الصَّلَاةَ عَلَى فَرْضِهَا الْأَوَّلِ فِي السَّفَرِ
From Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), she said: The first prayers that were made obligatory upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) were two rakats, two rakats, except for Maghrib, which consists of three rakats. Then Allah established Zuhr, Asr, and Isha as four rakats when not traveling, and maintained the same obligation for the first prayer during travel (meaning two rakats).
This provides a brief explanation of "how many rakats are in Maghrib and the hadith about rakats in Maghrib." As Muslims, we must understand this.
How Do You Pray Maghrib Prayer?
The important point about Maghrib prayer, including its rakats, dhikr, and dua, which I will explain now, center around the question, "How do you pray the Maghrib prayer?" It is crucial to understand this because it is one of the key questions about Maghrib prayer that must be comprehended properly.
Read Also: Maghrib and Isha Qasr
In general, there are four essential things you should do if you want to pray Maghrib. These four things are as follows:
- You must purify yourself from both minor and major hadas. I have explained this in detail in several articles about janabah, so I won’t elaborate further here.
- You must make the niyyah for the Maghrib prayer. The niyyah for the Maghrib prayer is as follows:
أُصَلِّى فَرْضَ الْمَغْرِبِ ثَلَاثَ رَكَعَاتٍ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةِ أَدَاءً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
I intend to perform the obligatory Maghrib prayer, three rak'ahs, facing Qiblah, as an obligation, for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.
- You must perform the obligatory movements in the Maghrib prayer, which include takbir ihram, bowing, I'tidal, standing after I'tidal, prostration, sitting between two prostrations, early tashahud, final tashahud, and so on.
- You must recite the necessary readings during the prayer, such as Surah Al-Fatihah, some verses from the Quran, supplications after takbir ihram, and prayers during prostration, sitting between prostrations, bowing, and the tashahud.
That is a brief explanation of "how to pray Maghrib." As Muslims, we must understand this.
Dhikr Maghrib
The next important point about the Maghrib prayer, including its rakats, dhikr, and dua, that I will explain is dhikr Maghrib. This topic is significant and should be well understood.
Read Also: Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib
Generally, if we read some Islamic literature on prayer, we find explanations that some of the best dhikr after the prayer, including dhikr Maghrib, are as follows:
- Reciting tasbih (سُبْحَانَ اللهِ) thirty-three times.
- Reciting tahmid (الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ) thirty-three times.
- Reciting takbir (اللهُ أَكْبَرُ) thirty-three times.
- Reciting tahlil (لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ) once.
- Reading Ayatul Kursi once.
- Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas (قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ أَحَدٌ) once.
We can find explanations of dhikr Maghrib in the following hadith.
Hadith About Dhikr Maghrib
The hadith concerning dhikr Maghrib is as follows:
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ ؛ مَنْ سَبَّحَ اللهَ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ ثَلَاثًا وَثَلَاثِيْنَ ، وَحَمِدَ اللهَ ثَلَاثًا وَثَلَاثِيْنَ ، وَكَبَّرَ اللهَ ثَلَاثًا وَثَلَاثِيْنَ , فَتِلْكَ تِسْعٌ وَتِسْعُوْنَ ، وَقَالَ تَمَامَ الْمِائَةِ ؛ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ ، غُفِرَتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ . رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ
From Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu, the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever recites the tasbih to Allah after every prayer up to thirty-three times, praises Allah up to thirty-three times, and recites the takbir to Allah up to thirty-three times, totaling ninety-nine, and completes the one hundredth with 'There is no god but Allah, He is One, He has no partner, to Him belongs the kingdom and all praise, and He is capable of everything,' his sins will be forgiven even if they are as many as the foam of the sea." This hadith was narrated by Muslim.
عَنْ أَبِيْ أُمَامَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ ؛ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ؛ مَنْ قَرَأَ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ مَكْتُوْبَةٍ لَمْ يَمْنَعْهُ مِنْ دُخُوْلِ الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا الْمَوْتُ . رَوَاهُ النَّسَائِيُّ . وَزَادَ فِيْهِ الطَّبْرَانِيُّ ؛ وَقُلْ هُوَ اللهُ أَحَدٌ
From Abu Umamah radliyallahu anhu, he said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, 'Whoever reads Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise except death.' This hadith was narrated by an-Nasa'i, and ath-Thabrani added the editorial note, 'And say, He is Allah Almighty (قُلْ هُوَ اللهُ أَحَدٌ).'
That is a brief explanation of dhikr Maghrib and the hadith regarding dhikr Maghrib. As Muslims, we must understand this.
Dua Maghrib
The important point about Maghrib prayer, including its rakats, dhikr, and dua, are what I will explain now, focusing specifically on dua Maghrib. I want you to understand its significance because it is one of the key elements that must be comprehended well.
In general, we can say any dua after Maghrib prayer. The important point is that we have the right to ask Allah for anything after performing the Maghrib prayer. However, there are two main duas for Maghrib:
- Dua for Parents
There are many duas for parents, one of which is as follows:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِيْ صَغِيْرًا
"O my Lord, forgive me and my parents and have mercy on them both as they raised me when I was little."
This is the dua for parents that we must recite after Maghrib. There are several reasons why we should say this dua. The main reason is that it is a duty of Muslims to do good to their parents. Below, we can find this explanation along with some verses from the Quran and hadith:
وَقَضٰى رَبُّكَ اَلَّا تَعْبُدُوْٓا اِلَّآ اِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ اِحْسٰنًاۗ اِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ اَحَدُهُمَآ اَوْ كِلٰهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَّهُمَآ اُفٍّ وَّلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيْمًا
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." (Al-Isra’ [17]: 23).
وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيٰنِيْ صَغِيْرًا
"And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'" (Al-Isra’ [17]: 24).
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِۚ حَمَلَتْهُ اُمُّهٗ وَهْنًا عَلٰى وَهْنٍ وَّفِصَالُهٗ فِيْ عَامَيْنِ اَنِ اشْكُرْ لِيْ وَلِوَالِدَيْكَۗ اِلَيَّ الْمَصِيْرُ
"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination." (Luqman [31]: 14).
عَنْ عَبْدِاللهِ بْنِ عَمْرُو رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ : جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَسْتَأْذِنُهُ فِي الْجِهَادِ، فَقَالَ : أَحَيٌّ وَالِدَاكَ؟ قَالَ : نَعَمْ، قَالَ : فَفِيْهِمَا فَجَاهِدْ
From Abdullah bin Umar radliyallahu anhuma, he said, "A man came to the Prophet (Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam asking for permission to perform jihad. He then asked, 'Are your parents still alive?' The man replied, 'Yes.' The Prophet said, 'Do good to both of them.'"
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ : جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ : يَا رَسُوْلَ اللهِ، مَنْ أَحَقُّ النَّاسِ بِحُسْنِ صَحَابَتِيْ؟ قَالَ : أُمُّكَ، قَالَ : ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ : ثُم أُمُّكَ، قَالَ : ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ : ثُمَّ أُمُّكَ، قَالَ : ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ : ثُمَّ أَبُوْكَ
From Abu Hurairah radliyallahu anhu, he said, "A man came to meet the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, who is the most deserving of my good company?' He replied, 'Your mother.' The man asked, 'Then who else?' He replied, 'Your mother.' The man then asked, 'Then who else?' He replied, 'Your mother.' The man asked again, 'Then who else?' He replied, 'Your father.'"
- Another dua is that Allah helps us to always remember Him (through dhikr), be grateful for His blessings, and worship Him. We can find this in the following hadith:
عَنْ مُعَاذٍ بْنِ جَبَلٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهُ ؛ أُوْصِيْكَ يَا مُعَاذُ لَا تَدَعَنَّ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ أَنْ تَقُوْلَ ؛ اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ . رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَأَبُوْ دَاوُدَ وَالنَّسَائِيُّ
From Mu'adh bin Jabal radiyallahu anhu, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said to him, "I advise you, O Mu'adh, do not neglect dhikr after every prayer: 'O Allah, help me to remember You, be grateful for Your favors, and worship You well.'" The hadith was narrated by Ahmad, Abu Daud, and an-Nasa’i.
That's a brief explanation of dua Maghrib and some important aspects related to it. As Muslims, it is essential for us to understand this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding Maghrib prayer is essential for all Muslims, as it is one of the five obligatory prayers. This article has outlined its significance, the proper number of rakats, and how to perform the prayer. Maghrib consists of three rakats and must be prayed after sunset. The hadiths illustrate its importance and the correct timings, reminding us that neglecting this prayer without valid reasons is a sin. Additionally, performing dhikr after Maghrib enhances our spiritual connection and serves as a reminder of Allah's greatness. The recommended dhikrs, including tasbih, tahmid, takbir, and reciting Ayatul Kursi and Surah Al-Ikhlas, emphasize the importance of remembrance in our daily lives. By embracing these practices, we deepen our faith and commitment to Allah. May we all strive to fulfill our obligations, including the Maghrib prayer, and seek closeness to Him through our acts of worship.
See you again in the next article!
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