Some people claim that the supererogatory

Q: I read a Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, Whoever prays six Rak`ahs (units of prayer) after Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer and does not say anything bad in between them, will have a reward equal to the worship of twelve years. Is this a Sahih (authentic) Hadith? How are the six Rak`ahs performed? I know that the regular Sunnah prayer of Maghrib is two Rak`ahs only. (Part No. 7; Page No. 255)

A: The above Hadith is not authentic as its Sanad (chain of narrators) includes `Umar ibn Abu Khath`am. Al-Bukhari said, ''Abu Khath`am is Munkar Al-Hadith (i.e., his Hadith is to be rejected).'' He also classed it as a Hadith of the lowest degree of Da`if (weakness).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.