Is it permissible to pray Maghrib in congregation a short time before Ishā', and if not, what is the specified time for congregational prayer?

The scholars differed regarding the time of Maghrib prayer: whether it extends until the entry of the Isha prayer time or not. The majority opinion is that it extends until the entry of Isha prayer time, and this is the most preponderant and correct view, as indicated by the Ahadith. Whoever prays Maghrib in congregation before the entry of Isha time, even by a short duration, incurs no sin. As for one who misses the prayer and its time expires, they must make it up. Congregation is prescribed for performing the prayer and for making it up. However, whoever leaves the prayer until its time expires without a valid excuse has committed a great sin.