(201) Chapter: Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we used to perform two Rak'ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: "Did Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perform them?" He replied: "He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so."

[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith mentions the practice of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) in respect of two Rak`ah performed before Maghrib prayer. They sometimes performed these Rak`ah in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH). Thus according to the narration of Anas (May Allah be pleased with ihm) their being in practice is proved. But this statement of Anas is according to his own knowledge, otherwise, we have already seen a Hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) stressed the need to perform them by way of inducement. Thus, it is proved by his speech as well.