What is the Maghrib Adhan?
The Maghrib adhan is the call to prayer in Islam that announces the entry of the fourth daily prayer time, and it is recited as soon as the sun has completely set below the horizon. As the fourth of the five daily adhans, the Maghrib adhan is a sacred call that heralds the end of day and the beginning of night. Sunset represents a special moment from both an astronomical and a religious point of view; in the Islamic calendar, the start of a new day is reckoned from the evening, and this gives the Maghrib adhan its distinctive significance.
The Maghrib prayer is one of the most emotionally and spiritually profound manifestations of prayer — one of the five pillars of Islam — in daily life. Recited against the backdrop of the red and orange hues that appear in the sky at sunset, the Maghrib adhan reminds people to leave behind the fatigue of the day and offer gratitude to their Lord. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The five daily prayers are like a river flowing in front of the door of one of you; can any dirt remain on a person who bathes in it five times a day?" (Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 6), emphasizing the purifying effect of prayer. The Maghrib prayer is the fourth of these five times of purification, crowning the day's fatigue with spiritual tranquility.
Historically, the Maghrib adhan has played a defining role in the organization of daily life in Islamic civilization. In Ottoman cities, with the Maghrib adhan the bazaars would close, tradesmen would shut their shops, and families would gather at the dinner table. During the month of Ramadan, the Maghrib adhan was the blessed sound that announced the moment of breaking the fast for millions of Muslims who had fasted all day long. Today as well, the Maghrib adhan continues to be a call that shapes the daily rhythm of both cities and rural areas, leaving deep traces in collective memory. Its direct relationship with sunset makes the Maghrib adhan one of the prayer times most affected by seasonal changes.
The unique position of the Maghrib prayer among the five daily prayers is also reflected in its number of rakats. The Maghrib prayer is the only prayer whose fard is 3 rakats; in this respect it differs from the other four daily prayers. Islamic scholars have explained this feature by stating that the Maghrib prayer is the "witr of the daytime." The word "witr" means "odd-numbered," and the 3-rakat fard of the Maghrib prayer ensures that the daytime prayers are completed with an odd-numbered rakat. This jurisprudential subtlety once again reveals the unique place of the Maghrib prayer in the system of Islamic worship.
What Time is the Maghrib Adhan Recited?
"What time is the Maghrib adhan today?" is one of the most frequently asked religious questions in Turkey, and the search volume for this question increases manyfold especially during the month of Ramadan. Because the Maghrib adhan time is directly tied to the time of sunset, it varies significantly according to the season of the year and the geographical location of the city. The Maghrib prayer is one of the times most affected by seasonal variation among the five daily prayers; the difference between summer and winter can reach nearly 3 hours.
In Istanbul, the Maghrib adhan is recited around 20:30–20:40 near the summer solstice (21 June), while around the winter solstice (21 December) it is recited around 16:50–17:00. This difference of approximately 3.5 hours arises from the fact that the sun's path above the horizon is much longer in the summer months. In Ankara, the Maghrib time enters approximately 10–15 minutes earlier than in Istanbul, because Ankara lies further east. In Hakkari, Turkey's easternmost city, the Maghrib adhan is recited about 40 minutes earlier than in Istanbul, while in Edirne, the westernmost, it is recited about 15 minutes later.
The main factors affecting the Maghrib adhan time are: latitude (since summer days are longer at northern latitudes, the Maghrib time enters later), longitude (the sun sets earlier in eastern cities), season (the Maghrib time is latest at the summer solstice and earliest at the winter solstice), and altitude (at higher altitudes the sun is observed setting a few minutes later). The permanent summer time (UTC+3) applied in Turkey since 2016 causes the Maghrib adhan to appear quite early on the clock face, particularly in the winter months.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) calculates and announces the Maghrib adhan times for all provinces and districts across Turkey based on astronomical calculations. The moment when the geometric center of the sun reaches 0.8333 degrees below the horizon is accepted as the beginning of the Maghrib time. This value is determined by taking into account the sun's apparent diameter and atmospheric refraction. You can follow current Maghrib adhan times via EzanVaktim.com or Diyanet's official mobile app. The dynamic clock indicator at the top of the page automatically displays the current Maghrib adhan time based on your location.
When Does the Maghrib Prayer Time Begin?
The time of the Maghrib prayer begins when the sun has completely set below the horizon. Astronomically, this is the moment when the upper edge of the solar disk disappears from the horizon. In works of fiqh this state is expressed as "ghurub al-shams" (the setting of the sun). Islamic scholars have developed various methods to determine sunset; the most common is to observe the complete disappearance of the solar disk on a flat horizon.
Correctly understanding the concept of sunset is of vital importance for determining the time of the Maghrib prayer. As the sun approaches the horizon, atmospheric refraction causes it to appear higher than its actual position. This optical illusion delays the apparent sunset by several minutes. Islamic astronomers recognized this phenomenon centuries ago and took it into account in their calculations. In modern astronomy too, the atmospheric refraction value is added when calculating sunset times. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) accepts the moment when the geometric center of the sun reaches 0.8333 degrees below the horizon as the beginning of the Maghrib time.
The time of the Maghrib prayer begins at sunset and continues until the time of the Isha prayer. The beginning of the Isha time is determined by the disappearance of the shafaq (twilight). There are differences between the madhhabs regarding the definition of shafaq. According to the Hanafi madhhab, shafaq is the complete disappearance of the white brightness (white shafaq) in the west. According to the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali madhhabs, shafaq is the disappearance of the redness (red shafaq) in the west. For this reason, the time of the Maghrib prayer is longer according to the Hanafi madhhab and shorter according to the other madhhabs. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Turkey bases its calculation of the Isha time on the moment when the sun reaches 17 degrees below the horizon.
Establish the prayer at the sun's decline from its zenith until the darkness of the night, and the recitation of the dawn. Indeed, the recitation of the dawn is witnessed (by the angels).
The expression "until the darkness of the night" in this noble verse has been interpreted by Islamic exegetes as encompassing both the Maghrib and Isha prayers. In the narration in which the Archangel Gabriel (peace be upon him) led the Prophet (peace be upon him) in prayer, it is reported that he led the Maghrib prayer at the moment of sunset (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). This hadith clearly establishes that the time of the Maghrib prayer begins with sunset.
In urban life it is not always possible to observe the sunset directly. Tall buildings, mountains, and hills can obscure the horizon line and make it difficult to determine the exact moment of sunset. For this reason, abiding by the official times determined by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) based on astronomical calculations is the most reliable method. EzanVaktim.com instantly displays the official Maghrib adhan time for your city.
How Many Rakats is the Maghrib Prayer?
The Maghrib prayer is performed as a total of 5 rakats: 3 rakats of fard and 2 rakats of sunnah. This rakat arrangement is the most distinctive feature that makes the Maghrib prayer unique among the five daily prayers. The Maghrib prayer is the only prayer whose fard is an odd number (3 rakats). While the Fajr prayer has 2, the Dhuhr 4, the Asr 4, and the Isha 4 rakats of fard, the fard of the Maghrib prayer is 3 rakats. Islamic scholars have explained this feature as the Maghrib prayer being the "witr of the daytime" — that is, the completion of the daytime prayers with an odd-numbered rakat.
The fard of the Maghrib prayer: 3 rakats, obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim. In the fard of the Maghrib prayer, the imam recites aloud (jahr); that is, the recitation in the first two rakats is done audibly. This differs from the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, in which the imam recites silently (sirr). In the third rakat, only Surah al-Fatihah is recited silently. The Prophet (peace be upon him) particularly encouraged performing the Maghrib prayer at the very moment its time enters.
| Prayer | Type | Rakats | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maghrib Fard | Fard | 3 | Fard al-ayn — audible (jahr) recitation (first 2 rakats) |
| Maghrib Sunnah | Sunnah | 2 | Muakkad sunnah — standard 2 rakats |
The sunnah of the Maghrib prayer: 2 rakats, performed after the fard. This sunnah is in the muakkad sunnah category and was prayed regularly by the Prophet (peace be upon him). There is no sunnah before the fard of the Maghrib prayer; however, some scholars have indicated that 2 rakats of nafl prayer may be performed before the fard. This nafl is a tatawwu prayer offered between the adhan and the iqamah and is not a muakkad sunnah. With its total of 5 rakats, the Maghrib prayer is the prayer with the fewest rakats among the five daily prayers (together with the Fajr prayer).
The performance of the 3-rakat fard of the Maghrib prayer differs from that of the other 4-rakat fard prayers. In the first two rakats, al-Fatihah and an additional surah are recited, followed by ruku and prostrations. At the end of the second rakat, one sits and recites Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu) — this is the first sitting. Then one stands for the third rakat, recites only al-Fatihah, and performs ruku and prostrations. At the end of the third rakat, in the final sitting, all the supplications are recited and the salam is given. This performance resembles the fard of the Fajr prayer; however, because the Fajr prayer consists of 2 rakats, there is no first sitting.
How is the Maghrib Prayer Performed?
The Maghrib prayer is performed first with 3 rakats of fard and then 2 rakats of sunnah. Each part's steps are explained in detail below. Before beginning the prayer, the conditions of being in a state of wudu, covering the awrah, facing the qiblah, and being within the prayer time must be fulfilled.
The Fard of the Maghrib Prayer (3 Rakats)
Intention (Niyyah) and Opening Takbir
Make the intention in the heart: "I intend to perform the fard of the Maghrib prayer." If praying in congregation, add "following the imam." Raise the hands to the level of the ears (women to shoulder level) and say "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer.
Qiyam — 1st Rakat
Place the hands below the navel (Hanafi) or on the chest (Shafi'i). Recite in order: Subhanaka, Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, Surah al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. In the Maghrib prayer the imam recites aloud (jahr). Go to ruku, saying "Subhana Rabbiya'l-Azim." Return to qiyam, saying "Sami'allahu liman hamidah" and "Rabbana laka'l-hamd." Perform the two prostrations.
2nd Rakat and First Sitting
Stand up; Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah are recited aloud. Ruku and prostrations are performed. At the end of the second rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu). This is the first sitting; after Tashahhud, stand back up.
3rd Rakat and Final Sitting
Stand up saying "Allahu Akbar." Recite only Basmalah and al-Fatihah (no additional surah is recited in the third rakat, and the recitation is done silently (sirr)). Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the third rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu), Allahumma salli, Allahumma barik, and Rabbana atina supplications. Give the salam to the right and then to the left.
The Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer (2 Rakats)
Intention and 1st Rakat
Make the intention: "I intend to perform the sunnah of the Maghrib prayer." Begin the prayer by saying "Allahu Akbar." Recite Subhanaka, Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. Perform ruku and prostrations.
2nd Rakat and Salam
Stand up; Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah are recited. Perform ruku and prostrations. Sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu), Allahumma salli, Allahumma barik, and Rabbana atina supplications. Give the salam to the right and then to the left to complete the prayer.
The virtue of praying the Maghrib prayer in congregation is great. A prayer performed in congregation is twenty-seven times more virtuous than one prayed alone. Because the Maghrib time generally coincides with people being at home or leaving their workplaces, it is a convenient time to go to the mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) particularly encouraged performing the Maghrib prayer in congregation.
An important point to bear in mind regarding the Maghrib prayer is that it should be performed at the very moment its time enters. The Prophet (peace be upon him) established as sunnah the performance of the Maghrib prayer without delay. For this reason, the most appropriate behavior is, as soon as one hears the Maghrib adhan, to make wudu and prepare for prayer, then perform the fard first and complete the sunnah afterwards. Praying without haste but also without delay is both in accordance with the sunnah and the most ideal approach in terms of khushu (devout concentration).
The Virtue and Importance of the Maghrib Prayer
Whoever prays the Fajr and Maghrib prayers will enter Paradise.
This noble hadith clearly demonstrates that the Maghrib prayer is one of the prayers that carries the glad tidings of Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the Fajr and Maghrib prayers together and promised Paradise to those who pray these two times regularly. In commenting on this hadith, Islamic scholars have noted that the Fajr and Maghrib prayers are mentioned as the beginning and end of the daytime, and that a person who establishes these is highly likely to maintain the other prayers as well.
The Maghrib prayer being performed together with sunset carries a distinct spiritual meaning. The ending of the day reminds a person of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The Maghrib prayer performed with this awareness is an incomparable opportunity to free oneself from worldly preoccupations and reflect on the afterlife. In the Holy Qur'an it is stated: "Men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah, the establishment of prayer, and the giving of zakat" (Surah al-Nur, Verse 37), emphasizing the importance of not abandoning the prayer in the face of worldly engagements.
The Maghrib prayer also occupies a special place because it coincides with the times when the family comes together. Family members returning from work or school meet at home with the Maghrib prayer, and this prayer can become the shared worship of the family. The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared the virtue of praying together with one's household and advised that children be accustomed to prayer from a young age. Praying the Maghrib prayer as a family both strengthens the life of worship and reinforces family bonds.
The Maghrib prayer also has a special place from a social standpoint. Especially in neighborhood masjids, the congregation for the Maghrib prayer is generally large, as people stop by the mosque on their way home from work. In Ottoman civilization, gatherings for conversation (sohbet) would be held in mosques after the Maghrib prayer, neighbors would meet with one another, and social solidarity was strengthened. Continuing this tradition today contributes to preserving social ties in Muslim neighborhoods.
The Relationship Between the Maghrib Adhan and Iftar Time
The relationship between the Maghrib adhan and the iftar (breaking the fast) time constitutes one of the best-known and most widely practiced traditions of Islam. The Maghrib adhan is at the same time the beginning of the iftar time. With sunset, both the time of the Maghrib prayer begins and, in the month of Ramadan, the moment arrives for fasting Muslims to break their fast. These two acts of worship are directly related because they are both tied to the same astronomical event — the setting of the sun.
In the month of Ramadan, the Maghrib adhan is the most exciting and emotional moment of the day for millions of Muslims. The believers, who have fasted all day for the sake of Allah's pleasure, break their fast with the recitation of the Maghrib adhan and offer thanks to their Lord. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The fasting person has a supplication at the time of breaking the fast that is not rejected" (Ibn Majah, Siyam, 48), giving the glad tidings that the moment of iftar (breaking the fast) is a time when supplications are accepted (mustajab). For this reason, it is hoped that supplications made while the Maghrib adhan is being recited will be accepted.
When the fasting person breaks his fast, let him say: "Allahumma laka sumtu wa ala rizqika aftartu" (O Allah! For You I have fasted and with Your provision I have broken my fast.)
At the time of iftar, hastening to break the fast — that is, ending the fast as soon as the Maghrib adhan is heard — is sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "People will continue to be in goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast" (Bukhari, Sawm, 45). It is sunnah to break the fast with dates or water, after which the Maghrib prayer is performed and only then does one sit down to the iftar meal. This sequence (first breaking the fast, then the Maghrib prayer, then the meal) is the most common practice; some scholars, however, also consider it permissible to perform the prayer first and break the fast afterwards.
There is a relationship between the Maghrib adhan and fasting outside of Ramadan as well. For the Monday and Thursday fasts, the fast of Shawwal, the fast of Ashura, and other voluntary (nafl) fasts, the iftar time also begins with the Maghrib adhan. For this reason, the Maghrib adhan holds great importance for fasting Muslims throughout every period of the year. Furthermore, according to the Shafi'i madhhab, for a fasting person to break his fast immediately with the Maghrib adhan — although not strictly required for the validity of the fast — is regarded as sunnah.
In Turkey during the month of Ramadan, the Maghrib adhan is broadcast live on television channels, and millions of people gather in front of their screens at the same time alongside iftar programs. This social ritual once again shows that the Maghrib adhan is not merely an individual call to worship but also a symbol of social unity and solidarity. Iftar tables become occasions for strengthening neighborly relations, feeding the poor, and increasing communal cooperation.
When Does the Maghrib Prayer Time End?
The time of the Maghrib prayer ends with the entry of the Isha prayer time. The Isha time, in turn, begins with the complete disappearance of the shafaq (redness or whiteness) in the west. There are differences between the madhhabs regarding the definition of shafaq. According to the Hanafi madhhab, shafaq is the complete disappearance of the white brightness in the west; this corresponds to a later time. According to the Shafi'i madhhab, shafaq is the disappearance of the redness; this corresponds to an earlier time. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) calculates the Isha time as the moment when the sun reaches 17 degrees below the horizon.
The time of the Maghrib prayer is one of the shortest among the five daily prayer times. The period from sunset to the disappearance of the shafaq varies, according to season and location, from approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This period is somewhat longer in the summer months and shorter in the winter months. This brief duration is the most important practical reason why the Maghrib prayer should not be delayed.
With the entry of the Isha time, the time of the Maghrib prayer completely ends. After this, anyone who wishes to perform the Maghrib prayer must intend it as qada (make-up). In a qada prayer, only the 3 rakats of fard are prayed; the sunnah is not made up. The Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly recommended performing prayers within their time, saying: "The prayer performed in its time is the most virtuous deed." For this reason, performing the Maghrib prayer in the earliest hours of its time — even as soon as the adhan is heard — is the most correct course.
An important discussion in Islamic jurisprudence concerning the time of the Maghrib prayer is the question of whether its time is short. Some scholars have stated that the Maghrib prayer time is quite short and that, for this reason, the Maghrib prayer should be performed more promptly than the other prayers. Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred to perform the Maghrib prayer at the very moment its time entered and advised his Companions to do the same. In some narrations it is stated that the Maghrib prayer should be performed "before the stars appear."
The Ruling on Delaying the Maghrib Prayer
Delaying the Maghrib prayer is considered makruh in Islamic jurisprudence. The Prophet (peace be upon him) particularly emphasized praying the Maghrib prayer as soon as its time enters. In a noble hadith it is stated: "My ummah will continue upon fitrah as long as they perform the Maghrib prayer before the stars appear" (Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Abu Dawud). This hadith points to the importance of performing the Maghrib prayer immediately after sunset, before the stars become visible.
There are several reasons why the Maghrib prayer must be performed more promptly than the other prayers. First, the time of the Maghrib prayer is shorter than the other prayer times. Second, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sunnah is to perform the Maghrib prayer at the very moment its time enters. Third, Islamic scholars have noted that delaying the Maghrib prayer carries the risk of resembling the practices of the Jewish and Christian communities. For this reason, when the Maghrib adhan is recited, the behavior most in accordance with the sunnah is, if possible, to immediately make wudu and stand to pray.
However, legitimate excuses for delay may exist. Situations such as breaking the fast in Ramadan and resting briefly before praying, finding a suitable place during travel, or seeking an opportunity to pray at work are accepted as excuses. What is essential is that the prayer be performed before its time ends. As long as the Maghrib prayer is performed before the Isha time enters, a certain delay does not affect the validity of the prayer; nevertheless, praying at the very beginning of the time is always more virtuous.
According to Imam Abu Hanifah, the time of the Maghrib prayer continues from sunset until the entry of the Isha time, and praying within this period is permissible, although delaying is makruh. Imam Shafi'i, however, stated that the time of the Maghrib prayer is shorter, and that after the passing of a period sufficient to perform the prayer, the time narrows. In any case, all four madhhabs are in agreement on not delaying the Maghrib prayer, and this is accepted as the common position of Islamic jurisprudence.
Maghrib Adhan Times in Cities Across Turkey
Because the Maghrib adhan time is tied to the time of sunset, it differs significantly across the various cities of Turkey. In Turkey, whose east-west extent is approximately 1,600 km, there is a difference of about 40–50 minutes in the Maghrib adhan time between the easternmost and westernmost cities. Large differences also arise between the summer and winter seasons.
| City | Summer (June) | Winter (December) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ~20:35 | ~17:00 | ~3:35 |
| Ankara | ~20:20 | ~16:50 | ~3:30 |
| Izmir | ~20:35 | ~17:10 | ~3:25 |
| Antalya | ~20:20 | ~17:05 | ~3:15 |
| Trabzon | ~20:05 | ~16:35 | ~3:30 |
| Diyarbakir | ~19:50 | ~16:30 | ~3:20 |
| Hatay | ~20:00 | ~16:50 | ~3:10 |
As can be seen from the table above, the summer-winter difference in the Maghrib adhan time ranges from approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This difference is much greater than the roughly 1-hour difference in the Dhuhr adhan and directly affects daily life. Especially in the month of Ramadan, this difference is the most important factor determining the duration of the fast. When Ramadan falls in the summer months, the fasting duration can rise to 16–17 hours, while in the winter months it can drop to around 10–11 hours.
The Maghrib adhan is recited later in the western cities (Istanbul, Izmir, Edirne) and earlier in the eastern cities (Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Van). This difference arises from the longitudinal difference across Turkey's east-west extent. Furthermore, in the northern cities (Trabzon, Samsun), the Maghrib time enters later in summer, while in the southern cities (Hatay, Antalya) it enters earlier, because summer days are longer at northern latitudes. To track seasonal changes, it is important to regularly check the current times via EzanVaktim.com.
Noble Hadiths About the Maghrib Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) related many noble hadiths about the Maghrib prayer. These hadiths reveal the virtue of the Maghrib prayer, the time of its performance, and its etiquette. The most important noble hadiths concerning the Maghrib prayer are compiled below:
1. Hastening to Perform the Maghrib Prayer
"My ummah will continue upon fitrah as long as they perform the Maghrib prayer before the stars become densely visible."
— Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad; Abu Dawud
2. The Virtue of the Fajr and Maghrib Prayers
"Whoever prays the Fajr and Maghrib prayers will enter Paradise."
— Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 26
3. Prayer Before the Maghrib Prayer
"Between every adhan and iqamah there is a prayer."
— Bukhari, Adhan, 16; Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, 304
4. Iftar and the Maghrib Prayer
"People will continue to be in goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast."
— Bukhari, Sawm, 45; Muslim, Siyam, 48
5. Recitation in the Maghrib Prayer
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to recite Surah at-Tin and similar short surahs in the Maghrib prayer."
— Bukhari, Adhan, 100; Nasa'i, Iftitah, 65
These noble hadiths reveal the importance of the Maghrib prayer in Islam from various aspects. The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated the virtue both of performing the Maghrib prayer on time and of performing it in accordance with the sunnah. In particular, the emphasis on not delaying the Maghrib prayer clearly expresses that this prayer should be performed at the very beginning of its time. Muslims should take these hadiths as a guide and give the Maghrib prayer the importance it deserves.
Surahs and Supplications Recited in the Maghrib Prayer
The Maghrib prayer is one of the prayers in which the recitation is performed aloud (jahr). The imam or the person praying alone recites al-Fatihah and the additional surah aloud in the first two rakats; in the third rakat, only al-Fatihah is recited silently (sirr). The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite short and medium-length surahs in the Maghrib prayer.
Text of the Maghrib Adhan
اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (4 times) — Allah is the Greatest
اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa'llah (2 times) — I bear witness that there is no god but Allah
اَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ
Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (2 times) — I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ
Hayya 'ala's-salah (2 times) — Hasten to prayer, come to prayer
حَيَّ عَلَى الْفَلَاحِ
Hayya 'ala'l-falah (2 times) — Hasten to success, come to salvation
اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar — Allah is the Greatest
لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللهُ
La ilaha illa'llah — There is no god but Allah
The Adhan Supplication (Recited After the Adhan)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When you hear the adhan, repeat what the muezzin says. Then send blessings (salawat) upon me... Then ask Allah to grant me al-wasilah" (Muslim, Salat, 11). Accordingly, during the adhan one should repeat each phrase of the muezzin, while at the phrases "Hayya 'ala's-salah" and "Hayya 'ala'l-falah" one should say "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no power or might except with Allah).
Supplication After the Adhan
اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هٰذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ اٰتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسٖيلَةَ وَالْفَضٖيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذٖى وَعَدْتَهُ
"Allahumma Rabba hadhihi'd-da'wati't-tammah, wa's-salati'l-qa'imah, ati Muhammadan-il wasilata wa'l-fadilah, wab'athhu maqaman mahmudan-illadhi wa'adtah."
Meaning: "O Allah! Lord of this perfect call and of the prayer about to be established! Grant Muhammad al-wasilah and al-fadilah, and raise him to the Maqam Mahmud (Praised Station) that You have promised him."
In the Fard Prayer (3 Rakats)
- 1st and 2nd Rakats: al-Fatihah + short surah (aloud)
- 3rd Rakat: only al-Fatihah (silently)
The Prophet used to recite surahs such as at-Tin, al-A'la, and al-Mursalat.
In the Sunnah Prayer (2 Rakats)
- In each rakat: al-Fatihah + any surah you wish
- Examples: al-Kafirun, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, al-Nas
It is a common practice to recite short surahs in the sunnah.
Some of the surahs that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have recited in the fard of the Maghrib prayer include: Surah at-Tin, Surah al-A'la, Surah al-Mursalat, Surah ad-Dukhan, and Surah at-Tur. In some narrations it is also reported that the Prophet recited longer surahs such as Surah al-A'raf in the Maghrib prayer. However, the common practice is to recite short and medium-length surahs. Individuals praying the Maghrib prayer on their own may recite any surah they know.
Etiquette and Manners of the Maghrib Prayer
The Maghrib prayer has certain points of etiquette and manners, the observance of which increases the spiritual value of the prayer and ensures its conformity with the sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) related in various hadiths the matters to be especially observed regarding the Maghrib prayer.
1. Praying as Soon as the Time Enters
The most important etiquette of the Maghrib prayer is to perform it at the very moment its time enters. The Prophet (peace be upon him) never delayed the Maghrib prayer and prayed it before the stars appeared. In this matter, far greater sensitivity must be shown than for the other prayers.
2. Preparing the Wudu in Advance
In order to be able to stand for prayer immediately as the Maghrib time enters, it is recommended, if possible, to preserve the wudu performed after the Asr prayer or to make wudu a few minutes before the Maghrib adhan. In this way, one can proceed directly to the prayer when the adhan is recited.
3. Prayer Between the Adhan and the Iqamah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Between every adhan and iqamah there is a prayer." It is permissible to pray 2 rakats of nafl prayer between the Maghrib adhan and the iqamah. However, this nafl is not a muakkad sunnah but a tatawwu (voluntary) prayer.
4. Khushu and Calmness
In the Maghrib prayer, it is important neither to rush nor to delay. The prayer should be performed in accordance with the sunnah, completing each of its pillars. A prayer performed in haste may have its pillars left incomplete and so may not be acceptable.
5. Praying the Sunnah After the Fard
It is important to pray 2 rakats of muakkad sunnah after the fard of the Maghrib prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed this sunnah regularly and did not abandon it. After the sunnah, one may also pray the 6-rakat nafl prayer known as the Awwabin prayer.
6. The Awwabin Prayer
The nafl prayer offered after the sunnah of the Maghrib prayer is called the "Awwabin prayer." This prayer may be performed as 2, 4, or 6 rakats. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays six rakats after the Maghrib prayer, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as great as the foam of the sea" (Tirmidhi).
Another etiquette of the Maghrib prayer is to observe the sunset and reflect upon the magnificence of Allah's creation. In the Holy Qur'an it is stated: "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day there are signs for those of understanding" (Surah Al-i Imran, Verse 190). The setting of the sun, the alternation of night and day, and the order of nature invite the believer who prays the Maghrib prayer to a deep state of reflection and gratitude.
The Maghrib Time and Daily Life
In Islamic civilization, the Maghrib time has been regarded as one of the most meaningful and tranquil segments of daily life. With sunset, the bustle of the day comes to an end, people return to their homes, and families come together at the dinner table. The Maghrib prayer represents the spiritual dimension of this moment of transition and forms a bridge from the last productive hours of the day toward the restful time of night.
In the month of Ramadan, the Maghrib time constitutes one of the most special and emotional moments of the year. Iftar tables represent one of the most deeply rooted traditions of Turkish society. Families sitting down at the table with the Maghrib adhan break their fast on the one hand and offer thanks for the day on the other. Iftar tables are at the same time occasions when the most beautiful examples of neighborliness, friendship, and hospitality are displayed. Communal iftar gatherings, the iftar tents of charitable institutions, and neighborhood iftars all bring the social dimension of the Maghrib time clearly into view.
The Maghrib prayer holds a special place in family life. Family members coming together after the working and school day perform the Maghrib prayer together, thus fulfilling their worship while also building a spiritual bond. The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared the virtue of praying at home and especially recommended that sunnah and nafl prayers be performed at home. Performing the fard of the Maghrib prayer in congregation at the mosque and the sunnah at home is an ideal practice.
In Ottoman culture, the Maghrib time was regarded as the most peaceful time of the day. With the Maghrib adhan, the city would settle down, the streets would grow quiet, candles would be lit in homes, and family conversations would begin. The brief gatherings held in neighborhood masjids after the Maghrib prayer enabled people to forge ties with one another. In Ottoman poetry and literature, the Maghrib time is frequently treated as a symbol of peace, tranquility, and spirituality. Today as well, keeping this tradition alive is an important opportunity to step away from the stress of modern life and find spiritual peace.
In modern life, the Maghrib time is, for most people, the period during which the workday ends and the transition to personal time takes place. Making this transition consciously with the Maghrib prayer reduces the stress of the day and rests the mind. Psychological research shows that people who worship regularly have lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction. In this sense, the Maghrib prayer is both a spiritual and a psychological means of purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is the Maghrib prayer?
The Maghrib prayer is a total of 5 rakats: 3 rakats of fard and 2 rakats of muakkad sunnah. The Maghrib prayer is the only prayer whose fard is an odd number (3 rakats). In the fard, the imam recites aloud (jahr) in the first two rakats, and the recitation in the third rakat is silent (sirr). The 2 rakats of sunnah performed after the fard are in the muakkad sunnah category and were prayed regularly by the Prophet (peace be upon him). There is no muakkad sunnah before the fard of the Maghrib prayer.
What time is the Maghrib adhan recited?
The Maghrib adhan is recited with sunset and varies significantly according to the season. In Istanbul, it is recited around 20:35 in the summer months (June) and around 17:00 in the winter months (December). It is recited earlier in eastern provinces and later in western provinces. The Maghrib adhan time varies by approximately 3–3.5 hours between the longest and shortest days of the year. You can follow the current Maghrib adhan time via EzanVaktim.com.
Are the Maghrib prayer and the iftar time the same?
Yes, the time of the Maghrib adhan and the time of iftar are the same. Both begin with the setting of the sun. In the month of Ramadan, fasting Muslims break their fast with the recitation of the Maghrib adhan. The sunnah practice is first to break the fast with dates or water, then to perform the fard of the Maghrib prayer, and only afterwards to sit down to the iftar meal. In some practices, something small is eaten and then the person stands for prayer immediately, with the main meal eaten after the prayer.
How is the Maghrib prayer performed?
The Maghrib prayer is performed first with 3 rakats of fard and then 2 rakats of sunnah. In the fard: 1) Make the intention and take the opening takbir. 2) In the first two rakats, recite al-Fatihah and an additional surah aloud, then perform ruku and prostrations. 3) At the end of the second rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu) — this is the first sitting. 4) In the third rakat, recite only al-Fatihah silently, then perform ruku and prostrations. 5) In the final sitting, recite all the supplications and give the salam. Afterwards, the 2 rakats of sunnah are prayed in the usual way.
Is it correct to delay the Maghrib prayer?
Delaying the Maghrib prayer is makruh. The Prophet (peace be upon him) established as sunnah praying the Maghrib prayer as soon as its time enters. The hadith "My ummah will continue upon fitrah as long as they perform the Maghrib prayer before the stars appear" is a clear guide in this matter. Because the Maghrib prayer time is shorter than the other prayer times, delaying also increases the risk of missing the prayer. Unless there is a legitimate excuse, praying the Maghrib prayer immediately is the most correct course.
Is the Maghrib prayer recited aloud?
Yes, in the fard of the Maghrib prayer the imam recites aloud (jahr) in the first two rakats. In the third rakat, only al-Fatihah is recited silently (sirr). This rule applies to the Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers; in these three prayers the recitation in the first two rakats is performed aloud. In the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, however, all rakats are performed silently. A person praying alone may recite either aloud or silently, as he wishes.
When does the Maghrib prayer time end?
The time of the Maghrib prayer ends with the entry of the Isha prayer time. The Isha time, in turn, begins with the complete disappearance of the shafaq in the west. According to the Hanafi madhhab, the disappearance of the white shafaq is the basis; according to the Shafi'i madhhab, the disappearance of the red shafaq is. This period varies, according to season, from approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes. If one wishes to perform the Maghrib prayer after its time has ended, one must intend it as qada (make-up), and only the 3 rakats of fard are made up.
What is the Awwabin prayer and how is it performed?
The Awwabin prayer is a nafl prayer performed after the sunnah of the Maghrib prayer. It may be performed as 2, 4, or 6 rakats. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays six rakats after the Maghrib prayer, they will be recorded for him as equivalent to twelve years of (nafl) worship." The Awwabin prayer is performed two rakats at a time, with a salam given after every two rakats. It is not a muakkad sunnah but a mandub (recommended) prayer.
