The Sunnah in the 'Isha' prayer is to delay it

Question : This questioner from Sultanate of Oman says: I read in a book that it is preferable for a woman to delay the 'Isha' prayer. Is this correct, and until when should she delay it? May you be rewarded.

Answer : The Sunnah in the 'Isha' prayer is to delay it for both men and women. However, if delaying it becomes difficult for the congregation, then offering it earlier is better. This is because among the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was that he preferred to delay the 'Isha' prayer. But if he (peace and blessings be upon him) saw that they were gathering quickly, he would hasten it, and if he saw that they were slow, he would delay it. So the Sunnah is to delay it as long as it does not become difficult. Based on this, if a person is excused from attending the congregation and prays in his home, it is better for him to delay the 'Isha' prayer as long as it does not become difficult for him. Likewise, for a woman, since she does not pray with the congregation, it is better for her to delay the 'Isha' prayer in her home as long as it does not become difficult for her.