When Does the Time of Maghrib Prayer Begin According to the Qur’an?
Maghrib prayer is one of the five daily obligatory prayers, and its timing is directly linked to the setting of the sun. The Qur’an describes this moment through a clear and universally observable natural sign.
According to the Qur’an, the time of Maghrib prayer begins when the sun sets completely below the horizon. This is the moment when daylight ends and the night begins to approach. Once the sun has disappeared, the time for Maghrib prayer starts immediately.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:
“So glorify Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.”
(Surah Ar-Rum, 30:17)
The word “evening” in this verse refers to the time that begins at sunset, which includes the Maghrib prayer. The Qur’an associates this moment with the transition from day to night.
In another verse, Allah says:
“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:78)
This verse indicates that prayer continues from the sun’s decline through sunset and into the early part of the night, clearly placing Maghrib at the point where daylight ends.
The natural sign of Maghrib is the disappearance of the sun from the horizon. After sunset, the brightness of the sky begins to fade, marking the beginning of the night period.
In conclusion, the Qur’an teaches that the time of Maghrib prayer begins immediately after the sun has fully set. This timing is based on a clear natural phenomenon, making it valid in all places without relying on fixed clock schedules.
Recognizing this Qur’anic sign helps Muslims identify the correct time for Maghrib prayer through the natural transition from day to night.
