Clarifying the time of Maghrib

Question

Does the time of the Maghrib prayer begin immediately after sunset or some time later, and how long does it last? If [someone], through negligence, let the prayer time lapse, will his prayer now be ada' (on time) or qada' (make-up)?

Answer

The time of Maghrib begins immediately once the sun has set. When it is cloudy, some caution should be exercised so as to be certain of sunset. After sunset a redness remains in the western sky for a while, and then a whiteness for a while; the time of the Maghrib prayer ends when the whiteness disappears.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.