Answer
Abdullah ibn Muqaffal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Perform two Rakaats before Maghrib
Salaat.’ He mentioned this three times and the third time he said,
‘whosoever wishes.’ (the narrator said Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) said this) fearing people make the two Rakaats Sunnah.’ (Mishkaat
pg.104; Qadeemi)
In view of the above, the majority of the Fuqahaa besides the Hanafi have
ruled that it is Mustahabb (desirable) to perform two Rakaats before Maghrib
Salaat. That is not so according to the Hanafi Madhab.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai