What is the opinion regarding the Middle Prayer being Maghrib (sunset prayer)?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is held by some that the Middle Prayer is Maghrib. This is reasoned because if the first prayer is Dhuhr, Maghrib would be the third prayer out of five, making it the middle one numerically. It is also considered central in terms of its number of units (three rak'ahs, between two and four) and its timing (end of the day/start of the night). Furthermore, it is unique as the Witr prayer and is prayed at the earliest time across all regions.
Supporting text
It is considered disliked to delay the Maghrib prayer past its initial time. This view is supported by the practice of Jibreel showing the Prophet (peace be upon him) both prayers at the same time on the second day, leading some Imams to conclude it has only one time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned that his Ummah remains blessed only as long as they do not delay Maghrib until the stars are densely intertwined.