Delaying the Maghrib Prayer

488

Q 2: Is the person who delays offering the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer for fifteen or twenty minutes regarded as still offering it at its due time? Is the Hadith, which states that Jibril (Gabriel) led our Prophet (peace be upon him) in Salah (Prayer) at the beginning and end of the time for each Salah and said to him, "O Muhammad, (the time for offering each) Salah is between these two times", Sahih (authentic)?

A: It is Mustahab (desirable) to offer the Maghrib Prayer at the beginning of its due time and it is also permissible to delay it. As for the Hadith that Jibril led the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Salah... It is a Hadith Sahih. Al-Bukhari said: "This Hadith is the most authentic narration concerning the times of Salah." (Part No. 5; Page No. 92) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.