How Many Rakats in Maghrib Prayer? A Comprehensive Guide
Maghrib prayer, one of the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam, holds a unique position in the daily routine of Muslims. It marks the transition from day to night and is performed after sunset. Understanding the correct number of rakats (units of prayer) for Maghrib is crucial for ensuring the validity of the prayer. This comprehensive guide will delve into the details of Maghrib prayer, outlining the number of rakats, the correct sequence, and essential steps to perform it correctly.
## What is a Rakat?
Before we delve into the specifics of Maghrib prayer, it’s essential to understand what a rakat is. A rakat is a single unit of Islamic prayer, consisting of a specific sequence of actions and recitations. These include standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), prostrating (Sujud), and sitting (Jalsa). Each prayer throughout the day comprises a specific number of rakats.
## The Number of Rakats in Maghrib Prayer
Maghrib prayer consists of three obligatory (Fard) rakats and two Sunnah rakats. Therefore, the total number of rakats performed in Maghrib prayer is five.
* **Fard Rakats:** 3
* **Sunnah Rakats:** 2
## Detailed Breakdown of Maghrib Prayer Rakats
Let’s break down each rakat in detail, outlining the actions and recitations involved.
### First Fard Rakat
1. **Niyyah (Intention):** Begin by making the intention (Niyyah) to perform the Maghrib prayer, sincerely for the sake of Allah. The intention can be made in your heart, and it is not required to verbalize it. You can intend something along the lines of: “I intend to perform three rakats of Fard Maghrib prayer, facing the Qibla, for Allah Almighty.”
2. **Takbir-e-Tahrima (Opening Takbir):** Raise both hands to the level of your ears or shoulders, with your palms facing the Qibla, and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). This is the opening Takbir, which signifies the beginning of the prayer.
3. **Qiyam (Standing):** Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest or just below the navel. Maintain a humble and attentive posture.
4. **Recitation of Sana:** Recite the supplication known as Sana (also called Thana):
“Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.”
(Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god but You.)
5. **Recitation of Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah:** Recite the Ta’awwudh (seeking refuge from Satan) and Tasmiyah (In the name of Allah):
* Ta’awwudh: “A’udhu billahi minash-shaitanir-rajeem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the rejected).
* Tasmiyah: “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
6. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha:** Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening Chapter of the Quran):
“Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin. Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim. Maliki yawmiddin. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in. Ihdinas-siratal mustaqim. Siratal lazina an’amta ‘alaihim ghairil maghdubi ‘alaihim walad-dallin. Amin.”
(All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are lost. Amen.)
7. **Recitation of a Surah:** Recite a short Surah (chapter) or a few verses from the Quran after Surah Al-Fatiha. For example, you can recite Surah Al-Ikhlas:
“Qul huwallahu ahad. Allahus-samad. Lam yalid walam yulad. Walam yakullahu kufuwan ahad.”
(Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.)
8. **Ruku (Bowing):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, placing your hands on your knees. Keep your back straight and your head aligned with your back. Recite the following supplication three times:
“Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem.” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great).
9. **Qiyam after Ruku (Standing up from Bowing):** Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying:
“Sami Allahu liman hamidah.” (Allah hears those who praise Him).
Then, while standing erect, say:
“Rabbana lakal hamd.” (Our Lord, to You is the praise).
10. **Sujud (Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate, placing your forehead, nose, both hands, both knees, and the tips of both feet on the ground. Recite the following supplication three times:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la.” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
11. **Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up, resting on your left foot with your right foot upright. Place your hands on your thighs. Recite the following supplication:
“Allahummaghfirli warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni.” (O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, mend my shortcomings, guide me, and provide for me).
12. **Second Sujud (Second Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate again, repeating the same supplication as in the first Sujud:
“Subhana Rabbiyal A’la.” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
13. **Standing up for the Second Rakat:** Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand up for the second rakat. This completes the first rakat.
### Second Fard Rakat
The second rakat is performed similarly to the first rakat, with a few differences:
1. **Qiyam (Standing):** Begin by standing straight.
2. **Recitation of Tasmiyah:** “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.” (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
3. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha:** Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
4. **Recitation of a Surah:** Recite a short Surah or a few verses from the Quran.
5. **Ruku (Bowing):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
6. **Qiyam after Ruku (Standing up from Bowing):** Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
7. **Sujud (Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
8. **Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up, reciting “Allahummaghfirli warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni.”
9. **Second Sujud (Second Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate again, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
10. **Sitting for Tashahhud:** After the second prostration, sit for Tashahhud (testification of faith).
11. **Recitation of Tashahhud:** Recite the Tashahhud:
“At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alaika ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.”
(All greetings, prayers, and good things are for 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 bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger).
### Third Fard Rakat
1. **Standing up for the Third Rakat:** Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand up for the third rakat.
2. **Recitation of Tasmiyah:** Recite “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.”
3. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha:** Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
4. **Ruku (Bowing):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
5. **Qiyam after Ruku (Standing up from Bowing):** Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
6. **Sujud (Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
7. **Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up, reciting “Allahummaghfirli warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni.”
8. **Second Sujud (Second Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate again, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
9. **Sitting for Tashahhud and Final Salutations:** After the second prostration, sit for the final Tashahhud.
10. **Recitation of Tashahhud:** Recite the Tashahhud as in the second rakat.
11. **Recitation of Salat-ul-Ibrahimiyyah (Supplication for Prophet Muhammad):** After Tashahhud, recite Salat-ul-Ibrahimiyyah:
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima, innaka hamidum majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima, innaka hamidum majeed.”
(O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham; indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham; indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious).
12. **Salutations (Tasleem):** Turn your head to the right, saying:
“As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah).
Then turn your head to the left, saying:
“As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah).
This completes the three Fard rakats of Maghrib prayer.
### Sunnah Rakats (After the Fard)
After completing the three Fard rakats, you should perform two Sunnah rakats. These Sunnah rakats are highly recommended and are performed in the following manner:
#### First Sunnah Rakat
1. **Niyyah (Intention):** Make the intention to perform two rakats of Sunnah Maghrib prayer.
2. **Takbir-e-Tahrima (Opening Takbir):** Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar.”
3. **Qiyam (Standing):** Place your hands on your chest or below the navel.
4. **Recitation of Sana:** Recite Sana (Subhanakallahumma).
5. **Recitation of Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah:** Recite Ta’awwudh and Tasmiyah.
6. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha:** Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
7. **Recitation of a Surah:** Recite a short Surah or a few verses from the Quran.
8. **Ruku (Bowing):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
9. **Qiyam after Ruku (Standing up from Bowing):** Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
10. **Sujud (Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
11. **Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up, reciting “Allahummaghfirli warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni.”
12. **Second Sujud (Second Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate again, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
13. **Standing up for the Second Rakat:** Say “Allahu Akbar” and stand up for the second rakat.
#### Second Sunnah Rakat
1. **Qiyam (Standing):** Begin by standing straight.
2. **Recitation of Tasmiyah:** “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem.”
3. **Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha:** Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
4. **Recitation of a Surah:** Recite a short Surah or a few verses from the Quran.
5. **Ruku (Bowing):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem” three times.
6. **Qiyam after Ruku (Standing up from Bowing):** Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
7. **Sujud (Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
8. **Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and sit up, reciting “Allahummaghfirli warhamni wajburni wahdini warzuqni.”
9. **Second Sujud (Second Prostration):** Say “Allahu Akbar” and prostrate again, reciting “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
10. **Sitting for Tashahhud and Final Salutations:** After the second prostration, sit for the final Tashahhud.
11. **Recitation of Tashahhud:** Recite the Tashahhud as in the second rakat of the Fard prayer.
12. **Recitation of Salat-ul-Ibrahimiyyah (Supplication for Prophet Muhammad):** After Tashahhud, recite Salat-ul-Ibrahimiyyah.
13. **Salutations (Tasleem):** Turn your head to the right, saying:
“As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah).
Then turn your head to the left, saying:
“As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah).
This completes the two Sunnah rakats of Maghrib prayer.
## Importance of Following the Correct Sequence
Maintaining the correct sequence of actions and recitations is crucial for the validity of the prayer. Any significant deviation from the prescribed sequence may invalidate the prayer. Therefore, it is essential to learn the correct procedure and practice it diligently.
## Conclusion
Maghrib prayer, with its three Fard and two Sunnah rakats, is a significant part of the daily Islamic routine. By understanding the detailed steps and instructions provided in this guide, you can ensure that you are performing the prayer correctly and fulfilling this important obligation. Remember to approach each prayer with sincerity, humility, and a conscious effort to connect with Allah Almighty. May Allah accept our prayers and grant us His blessings.