Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib: 5 Key Things You Need to Know

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Hi! Are you looking for an explanation about the sunnah prayer before Maghrib? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that is exactly what I will explain here. As Muslims, we must understand this, and that's why I wrote this article. So, make sure to read it all the way through!

Specifically, there are several important things about the sunnah prayer before Maghrib that I will explain in this article. These key points are as follows:

What Is the Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib?

The important thing I will explain is "What is the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" I want you to understand this before reading any further explanations because it is a fundamental part of the discussion that should be well understood.

There are many types of sunnah prayers in Islam. However, not all sunnah prayers can be performed before Maghrib. There are specific rules that apply to sunnah prayers, and the same goes for the sunnah prayer before Maghrib.

If we consult Islamic legal literature on the sunnah prayer before Maghrib, we find that it refers to the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer. The sunnah prayer before Maghrib is called Qobliyah Maghrib because it is performed before the obligatory Maghrib prayer.

So, if you ask, "What is the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" the answer is: "It is the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer." You must understand this!

That is a brief explanation of what the sunnah prayer before Maghrib is. As Muslims, it is important for us to grasp this concept.

Do You Have to Pray the Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib?

The important thing about the sunnah prayer before Maghrib that I will explain now is: "Do you have to pray the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" I want you to understand this because it is one of the key questions regarding the sunnah prayer before Maghrib.

Before I provide the answer to that question ("Do you have to pray the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?"), I will quote a hadith specifically related to this topic. The hadith is as follows:

صَلُّوْا قَبْلَ الْمَغْرِبِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ، (قَالَ فِي الثَّالِثَةِ) لِمَنْ شَاءَ

"Pray before Maghrib two rak'ahs." (He said the third time) "For those who wish to do so."

This hadith shows that the Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to pray two rak'ahs before Maghrib. It indicates that this is a sunnah prayer, known as the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer, as I have explained in previous paragraphs.

So, if you ask, "Do you have to pray the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" the answer is, "No, you don't have to pray the sunnah prayer before Maghrib because it is a recommendation."

That is a brief explanation of whether you have to pray the sunnah prayer before Maghrib. As Muslims, we need to understand this.

Niyyat for the Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib

The next important thing about the sunnah prayer before Maghrib is the niyyat (intention) for this prayer. I hope you read the following explanation carefully.

Specifically, the niyyat for the sunnah prayer before Maghrib, or the niyyat for the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer, is as follows:

أُصَلِّي قَبْلِيَّةَ الْمَغْرِبِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ سُنَّةً أَدَاءً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

"I intend to pray two rak'ahs before Maghrib, as a sunnah, performing it for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

This is the niyyat for the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer or the sunnah prayer before Maghrib.

That is a brief explanation of the niyyat for the sunnah prayer before Maghrib. As Muslims, we should understand this.

What Do You Recite During the Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib?

Another important aspect of the sunnah prayer before Maghrib is: "What do you recite during the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" I want you to grasp this because it is a significant part of performing the prayer that must be understood.

Specifically, there is no difference between the recitations in the sunnah prayer before Maghrib and other prayers. So, after you make the niyyat for the sunnah prayer before Maghrib or the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer, you must recite the obligatory readings for prayer.

Read Also: How to Combine Maghrib and Isha Prayers Effectively?

There are two types of readings in prayer:

1. Obligatory readings.
2. Sunnah readings.

Obligatory readings are those that must be recited during prayer. If you omit them, your prayer is invalid.

The obligatory readings are as follows:

1. Takbiratul Ihram.
2. Prayer intention (niyyat).
3. Surah al-Fatihah.
4. Dua for rukuk.
5. Dua for i'tidal.
6. Dua for sujud.
7. Dua between the two sujuds.
8. Final tashahhud.
9. Salaam.

Sunnah readings are recommended but not required. If you do not recite them, your prayer is still valid.

The sunnah readings are as follows:

1. Dua Iftitah.
2. The first tashahhud.
3. Dua Qunut.

That is a brief explanation of "What do you recite during the sunnah prayer before Maghrib?" As Muslims, it is essential to understand this.

Dua After Sunnah Prayer Before Maghrib

The next important aspect of the sunnah prayer before Maghrib that I will explain is the dua after the sunnah prayer before Maghrib. I want you to understand this at the end of our discussion so that you have a complete understanding of the sunnah prayer before Maghrib, or Qobliyah Maghrib, after reading this article.

There are many duas that can be recited after the sunnah prayer before Maghrib, or duas after the Qobliyah Maghrib prayer. However, in my opinion, the most important ones are the dua to maintain faith, the dua for salvation in this world and the hereafter, and the dua for one's parents.

The dua to maintain faith is as follows:

يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوْبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِيْ عَلَى دِيْنِكَ

"O Turner of hearts, make my heart steadfast upon Your religion."

The dua for salvation in this world and the hereafter is as follows:

رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِى الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

"Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Al-Baqarah [02]: 201)

The dua for one's parents is as follows:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِيْ صَغِيْرًا

"O Allah, forgive me and my parents, and have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small."

This is a brief explanation of the dua after the sunnah prayer before Maghrib. As Muslims, we need to understand this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sunnah Prayer before Maghrib, also known as Qobliyah Maghrib, plays a significant role in the spiritual practices of Muslims. Understanding its importance, the intention (niyyat), recitations, and recommended duas enriches our worship and strengthens our relationship with Allah. While it is not obligatory, the encouragement from Prophet Muhammad to perform this prayer underscores its value as a means of gaining spiritual benefits. By incorporating the Sunnah Prayer before Maghrib into our daily routines, we acknowledge the significance of following the Prophet's teachings. It fosters a deeper connection to our faith and offers a moment of reflection and supplication before the obligatory Maghrib prayer. As we continue our journey of faith, may we remember the lessons learned in this article and strive to implement them in our daily lives.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you find this information beneficial. Ameen!