Is this Hadith authentic?
عن عبد الله بن بريدة أن عبد الله المزني، حدثه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى قبل المغرب ركعتين ثم قال صلوا قبل المغرب ركعتين ثم قال عند الثالثة لمن شاء خاف أن يحسبها الناس سنة
Answer
Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) has declared this Hadith authentic.
(Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 1588. Also see: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 1588)
Note: I have merely answered your question regarding the authenticity of the Hadith. This should therefore not be viewed as a Fiqh ruling. Kindly contact a reputable Mufti/Darul Ifta for a fatwa on this issue.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar