Maghrib Prayer Should Not Be Delayed Until Complete Darkness

Hadith​

Rafi’ bin Khadij (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
"We used to pray the Maghrib prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ), and one of us would leave while still being able to see the spot where his arrow landed."

[Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim]

• Authentication & References:
  • Sahih al-Bukhari: 559
  • Sahih Muslim: 637
  • This hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim under the chapter "Clarification That the First Time for Maghrib Is at Sunset" (باب بيان أن أول وقت المغرب عند غروب الشمس).

Key Lessons & Rulings Derived from This Hadith​

Maghrib Should Be Performed at Its Earliest Time:

• The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions prayed Maghrib promptly at sunset without unnecessary delay.
• This hadith indicates that Maghrib should be performed while there is still some light, ensuring clarity in vision.

Maghrib Should Not Be Delayed Until Complete Darkness:

• Excessive delay in Maghrib to the point of complete darkness is not recommended.
• However, praying it immediately after Adhan without allowing time for minimal supplication or Sunnah prayers is also discouraged.

A Balanced Approach to Maghrib Timing:

• Avoid rushing too much:
  • The congregation should not be established immediately after Adhan, leaving no time for worshippers to respond to the call to prayer, recite supplications, or pray Sunnah prayers.
• Avoid delaying too much:
  • Delaying Maghrib so much that complete darkness sets in is against the Sunnah.

Short Maghrib Time Requires Proper Management:

• Among the five daily prayers, Maghrib has the shortest time window.
• Especially in Ramadan, some imams delay the congregation excessively due to extended Iftar, while others rush too quickly, barely giving time between Adhan and Iqamah.
• Both approaches contradict the essence of Salah; Islam promotes moderation and balance.
• There should be a slight pause after Adhan to allow worshippers to recite supplications, perform two Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer, and prepare for Salah.
• However, excessive delay should be avoided, ensuring Maghrib is performed while there is still visibility.

The Ideal Time for Maghrib:

• The prayer should be performed when there is still enough natural light to recognize objects clearly.
• The hadith indicates that the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم) could still see their surroundings clearly after praying Maghrib with the Prophet (ﷺ), meaning it was not delayed excessively.

Reference Source:
This content has been extracted from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.