Maghrib is the fourth of the five daily prayers in Islam. It is performed immediately after sunset and consists of three obligatory rakats.
What Does Maghrib Mean?
The word "Maghrib" in Arabic means:
- Sunset or west
It refers to the time when the sun completely disappears below the horizon.
When Does Maghrib Time Start?
Maghrib time begins:
- ✅ Immediately after sunset
- ❌ Not during sunset
- ❌ Not before sunset
It starts when the upper edge of the sun disappears below the horizon.
When Does Maghrib Time End?
Maghrib time ends when:
The red twilight disappears from the sky.
After that, Isha time begins.
Is Maghrib the Same as Sunset?
Maghrib begins right after sunset — not before. Sunset marks the beginning of Maghrib prayer time.
How Many Rakats in Maghrib Prayer?
| Type | Rakats | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fard | 3 | Obligatory |
| Sunnah | 2 | Recommended |
| Nafl | Optional | Voluntary |
Total commonly prayed: 5 rakats.
How to Perform Maghrib Prayer (Quick Guide)
- Make intention
- Pray 3 Fard
- After salam, pray 2 Sunnah
- Optional Nafl
For a detailed step-by-step prayer guide, see our complete Salah guide.
Why Maghrib Is Important
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized praying on time. Maghrib is unique because:
- It has only 3 fard rakats — the shortest obligatory prayer alongside Fajr
- It comes after fasting (during Ramadan — time to break the fast)
- It marks the transition from day to night
Maghrib Time by Location
Maghrib time varies by location and season. Here are some common searches:
| Location | Approximate Maghrib | Season Variation |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh (Dhaka) | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Earlier in winter |
| Cairo, Egypt | 5:15 – 7:00 PM | Later in summer |
| Toronto, Canada | 5:00 – 8:45 PM | Wide range |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | 5:45 – 6:15 PM | Near equator, stable |
| London, UK | 4:00 – 9:15 PM | Very wide range |
Always check a reliable prayer time source for your exact location. You can also visit our Namaz Timetable page.
Common Misspellings
People also search for: magrib time, mahrib time, magreb time, maghrib tim, mahgrib. All of these refer to the same Maghrib prayer time in Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Maghrib prayer?
Maghrib begins immediately after sunset and ends when the red twilight disappears.
Is Maghrib 3 or 5 rakats?
Maghrib has 3 obligatory (Fard) rakats. Many Muslims also pray 2 additional Sunnah after.
How long does Maghrib last?
Typically 60–90 minutes depending on location and season.
Can you pray Maghrib late?
It is best to pray immediately after sunset. Delaying without a valid reason is discouraged.
Is Maghrib the evening prayer?
Yes, it is the sunset prayer in Islam.
Conclusion
Maghrib prayer is a beautiful act of worship that marks the end of the day. It is short, rewarding, and should be prayed on time.
Pray Maghrib as soon as sunset arrives — it is one of the most beloved prayers to Allah.