How to pray Maghrib

Maghrib is the sunset prayer and the only obligatory prayer with three rak’ahs. Maghrib is prayed just after sunset, in a short window.

Quick answer

• Rak’ahs (obligatory): 3 rak’ahs — the only prayer with three. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to pray the third, sit again for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.
• Recitation: The first two rak’ahs are recited aloud and the third silently.
• When: Just after sunset, in a short window.

Before you pray Maghrib

• Be in a state of Wudu (ablution).
• Face the Qibla — the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
• Make sure you are within the time window for Maghrib.

The sequence, step by step

Every rak’ah follows the same pattern — stand and recite, bow, and prostrate twice. For the full detail of each position and what to say, see the complete how to pray Salah guide. For Maghrib specifically:

1. Make your intention for Maghrib and begin with the opening takbir, Allahu akbar.
2. In each standing, recite Surah Al-Fatiha, then (in the first two rak’ahs) another short surah. The first two rak’ahs are recited aloud and the third silently.
3. Bow (Ruku), then rise; prostrate (Sujud) twice, sitting briefly between them. That completes one rak’ah.
4. 3 rak’ahs — the only prayer with three. After the second rak’ah you sit for the first Tashahhud, then stand to pray the third, sit again for the final Tashahhud, and end with the Taslim.

The best way to learn the timing and flow is to practise it: Khatawa walks you through Maghrib live, showing each posture with the words and recitation, and marking which parts are aloud and which are silent.

Frequently asked questions