Where is it preferable to perform the Sunnah prayers, particularly those related to Maghrib and Fajr?

Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 9

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is recommended to perform the Sunnah prayers in the home. This is supported by the Hadith of Ibn Umar stating that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray the two Rak'ahs of Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha in his home. Ahmad preferred performing the two Rak'ahs after Fajr and the two Rak'ahs after Maghrib in the home. He stated that there is nothing more emphasized than the two Rak'ahs following Maghrib being performed at home. Evidence for this includes the statement: "Pray these two Rak'ahs in your homes," attributed to Ibn Ishaq's narration. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed the people after praying Maghrib with them: "This is the prayer of the houses" (Salat Al-Buyut), and explicitly commanded them, "Pray these two Rak'ahs in your homes," as narrated by Rafi' ibn Khadij.

Supporting text

Regarding the two Rak'ahs following Dhuhr, Ahmad stated that they should be performed in the mosque. When asked about the ruling if a person's dwelling is far away, Ahmad replied that he did not know.