The time for performing the Maghrib (evening) prayer begins right after sunset and, according to Imam Abu Hanifa, lasts until the twilight completely disappears from the horizon. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The start of Maghrib prayer is at sunset, and its end is when twilight fades” (Tirmidhi, Salat, 2 [151]). In another narration, the Prophet is reported to have performed the Isha prayer after the disappearance of twilight (Daraqutni, al-Sunan, 1/495-496 [1037]).
In the narrations, terms such as ‘twilight’ or ‘horizon’ hold different interpretations. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, the end of Maghrib prayer time is marked by the disappearance of the white glow that follows the red twilight. Abu Hanifa also referenced the narration stating, “The end of Maghrib prayer time is when the horizon darkens completely” (Muslim, Masajid, 174 [612]).
However, according to Imam Abu Yusuf, Imam Muhammad, and other Islamic schools of thought, the Maghrib prayer lasts until the red twilight fades, marking the end of the prayer time. In this view, the term ‘twilight’ in the hadith refers specifically to the red glow after sunset. The Prophet (peace be upon him) further emphasized this by saying, “Twilight is the redness in the sky. Once it fades, the prayer becomes obligatory” (Daraqutni, al-Sunan, 1/506 [1056]).
Understanding the differences in interpretation allows Muslims to observe Maghrib within a timeframe that respects both traditional teachings and individual practices.