**# How to Perform Maghrib: A Step-by-Step Guide to Evening Prayer**
**Introduction**
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the land, it’s time for Maghrib, the third of the five daily prayers in Islam. Maghrib is a beautiful and meaningful ritual that connects us with God and the wider Muslim community. If you’re new to Islam or simply want to improve your practice, follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to perform Maghrib.
Source www.quraneasy.com
**## Prerequisites**
Before you begin, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
– You have performed your Wudu (ablution).
– You have a clean and comfortable place to pray.
– You know the direction of the Qibla (towards Mecca).
**## The Sunnah Actions**
**### 1. The Athan**
The Athan, or call to prayer, is highly recommended but not obligatory. If you hear the Athan, stand up and listen attentively.
**### 2. Seeking Refuge in Allah**
When the Athan is complete, raise your hands and say:
“`
A’uthu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim
“`
(I seek refuge in Allah from the cursed devil.)
**### 3. The Iqamah**
The Iqamah is similar to the Athan but is said just before the start of the prayer.
**## The Obligatory Actions**
**### 4. Niyyah (Intention)**
Focus your mind and make a clear intention to pray Maghrib. Silently say:
“`
Nawaytu an usalli far-da maghrib thalatha raka’atun mustaqbilal qiblati adaa’an lillahi ta’ala.
“`
(I intend to pray the obligatory Maghrib prayer, facing the Qibla, for the sake of Allah, the Most High.)
**### 5. The Takbir**
Raise your hands to your ears and say:
“`
Allahu Akbar
“`
(God is Great.)
This marks the beginning of the prayer.
**### 6. The Qiyam (Standing)**
Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Recite the Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Quran) and another Quranic passage.
**### 7. The Ruku’ (Bowing)**
Lower your upper body until your head is level with your back. Place your hands on your knees and say:
“`
Subhana rabbiyal ‘azim
“`
(Glory to my Great Lord.)
**### 8. The Sujud (Prostration)**
Place your forehead on the ground, followed by your nose, hands, knees, and toes. Say:
“`
Subhana rabbiyal a’la
“`
(Glory to my Exalted Lord.)
**### 9. The Jalsa (Sitting)**
Sit back on your heels with your buttocks resting on your calves. Place your hands on your thighs and say:
“`
Rabbighfirli
“`
(My Lord, forgive me.)
**### 10. The second Sujud**
Perform the second Sujud as you did the first.
**### 11. The Final Tashahhud**
Sit up and recite the Tashahhud:
“`
At-tahiyyatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat.
As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin.
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
“`
(Greetings, prayers, and good things to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.)
**### 12. The Salat upon the Prophet**
Raise your index finger and say:
“`
Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim, wa baarik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad kama baarakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala aali Ibrahim, fil ‘aalameen. Innaka hameedun majeed
“`
(O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham, and grant favor to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You granted favor to Abraham and the family of Abraham, among the nations. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.)
**### 13. The Salam**
Turn your head to the right and say:
“`
As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah
“`
(Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.)
Then turn your head to the left and repeat the Salam.
**## Conclusion**
Remember, performing Maghrib is not merely about completing a set of physical actions. It’s a time to connect with God, reflect on your life, and seek forgiveness for your sins. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this beautiful prayer.
**Check out other articles to expand your knowledge:**
– [How to Perform Fajr](link)
– [How to Perform Dhuhr](link)
– [How to Perform Asr](link)
– [How to Perform Isha](link)
FAQ about Maghrib Prayer
What is Maghrib prayer?
- Maghrib is the fourth of the five daily prayers in Islam.
When is Maghrib prayer performed?
- P: After sunset
- A: When the sun has set completely and the red glow has disappeared from the horizon.
How many units (rak’ahs) are in Maghrib prayer?
- P: Three
- A: Performed in two sets: two units in the first set and one unit in the second set.
What is the intention (niyyah) for Maghrib prayer?
- P: To perform the Maghrib prayer for Allah’s sake.
- A: "I intend to perform the Maghrib prayer, two units, facing the Qiblah, for Allah’s sake."
What are the steps of performing Maghrib prayer?
- P: Perform regular steps of ablution (wudu), face the Qiblah (direction of Kaaba), stand with feet shoulder-width apart, recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) to start the prayer, and raise hands up.
- A: Complete each unit with recitation of Fatihah Surah, other Quranic verses, bow (ruku’), prostrate (sujud), sit between prostrations (julus), and conclude with Salam (peace).
Do I have to say the intention (niyyah) out loud?
- P: No
- A: Intention can be made silently in the heart.
Can I pray Maghrib in congregation?
- P: Yes
- A: It is recommended to join a congregation, if possible.
Is it permissible to pray Maghrib after Isha prayer?
- P: Yes
- A: However, it is better to make up for it as soon as possible.
What is the virtue of praying Maghrib on time?
- P: It is a highly rewarded act.
- A: "Whoever prays Maghrib with the congregation is like spending the whole night in worship, and whoever prays Isha with the congregation is like spending half the night in worship." (Hadith)
Can I pray Maghrib prayer while traveling?
- P: Yes
- A: You can shorten the prayer to two units (one unit in each set) while traveling.
