The Ruling on Delaying the 'Isha' Prayer Beyond Its Initial Time

Question:
The listener is Hamad 'Aqab al-Mutayri from al-Arta'wiyyah. He sent a message containing two questions. The first question: What is the ruling on delaying the 'Isha' prayer beyond its time, and is there a hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding its delay?

Answer:
Yes, he prayed it once late, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It was recommended to delay the 'Isha' prayer somewhat—(peace and blessings be upon him)—so its time extends until the middle of the night. If the people of the village, or the people of the mosque, agree to delay it, there is no harm in delaying it until a third of the night, before the middle of the night, if they agree; there is no harm, and it is better. Otherwise, the Sunnah is to pray it early so as not to burden the people. Delay it somewhat, but do not prolong it so as not to burden the people, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do. He (peace and blessings be upon him), when he saw them gathering, would hasten, and when he saw them slow down, he would delay it. He delayed it at some times and said: He delayed it until a third of the night, and in some hadiths until near the middle of the night.
So the conclusion is: The imam should not burden the people, but rather pray with them as usual, praying early. However, if they prefer the delay and agree with him to delay it until a third of the night, before the middle of the night, there is no harm. Whatever delay they agree upon, it is better if they are content with it. Yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.