What is the ruling on praying six rak'ahs after Maghrib?

Question: Here is a message from Sudan, received from the sincere brother Muhammad Ali Abdullah. He says: I have become accustomed to praying a voluntary prayer of six rak'ahs after Maghrib. He says: But I pray them with Surat al-Fatihah only. Is this permissible or not?

Answer:
The prescribed rawatib after Maghrib is only two rak'ahs. So, if one prays an additional six, eight, ten, or more after that, there is no blame on him. However, some people may think that the six rak'ahs have a special status, and this has no basis. It has not been established in a hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that indicates this, even if some people have made it a habit. The six rak'ahs have no special status, and there is no basis for them in the authentic hadiths that can be relied upon. But if one does it for the sake of more good and more worship, praying six, eight, or ten after Maghrib, there is no blame on him. It is not limited to a specific number. The time between the two 'Isha' prayers is a place for prayer and a place for worship. But the rawatib is only two rak'ahs, which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to maintain; only two rak'ahs. This is the rawatib. So, if one adds to it and prays more than that, there is no blame on him and nothing is wrong with it.

The presenter: But is it sufficient with Surat al-Fatihah only?

The Shaykh: It is sufficient with Surat al-Fatihah, yes. If he prays with Surat al-Fatihah only, it is sufficient. But it is better to recite with Surat al-Fatihah whatever is easy: a verse or two verses or a short surah. This is what is better. Yes.