Question

What is the strength of narration stating that it is Sunnah to recite Surah Kafirun and Surah Ikhlas in the Fard of Maghrib Salah on Thursday night?

Answer

Imam Ibn Hibban and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) have recorded a narration which states that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite Surah Kafirun and Surah Ikhlas in Maghrib Salah on the eve of Jumu’ah.

(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1841 and As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 2, pg. 391 and vol. 3, pg. 201)

Although Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has declared this Hadith as authentic, other Hadith masters have declared it as weak and questionable, especially -as Ibn Hajar mentions- other famous narrations state that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite these surahs daily in the two rak’ahs sunnah of Maghrib.

(Nataijul Afkar, vol. 1, pg. 458. Also see Al Mughni ‘An Hamlil Asfar, Hadith: 553)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar