Q 15: Should we perform two Rak`ahs (unit of prayer) before the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer or not? Are they from the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him)?

A: It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pray (two supererogatory Rak`ahs) before the Magrib Prayer. He (the Prophet) said it three times, and the third time he said: 'This applies to those who wish to do it.'" (Part No. 7; Page No. 252) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that lest people should think that it is obligatory. This Hadith was reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. They also reported on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: When the Mu'adhin (caller to prayer) pronounced the Adhan, some of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would proceed to the pillars of the Masjid (for prayer) till the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived and in this way they used to offer two Rak`ahs before the Maghrib Prayer. There used to be a little time between the Adhan and the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer). In the narration reported by Muslim, he (Anas) said: "We were in Al-Madinah, and as the Mu'adhin called for Al-Maghrib Prayer we used to rush to positions behind the pillars of the Masjid, then perform two units of prayers such that a strange man would enter the Masjid thinking that Maghrib Prayer was being observed due to the large number of people offering Salah." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.