Is it better to delay the 'Isha' prayer, and what is the extent of this delay?

Question:
Is it better to delay the 'Isha' prayer, and what is the extent of this delay?


Answer:
Yes, it is better to delay it to one-third of the night if there is no hardship, and there is no harm in delaying it until just before the middle of the night, but it should not be delayed beyond the middle of the night, for the end of the time is the middle of the night. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: until the middle of the night. So if one delays it to one-third of the night, like a woman in her house, or like a group in a village or a place where they choose to delay it and there is no hardship for them, then there is no harm in their delaying it. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said, when he delayed it one night until it was near the middle, and in some narrations: (to one-third of the night), he said: .
So the conclusion is: if the people of a village, or a group of travelers, or the people of a house from among the sick and women agree to delay it, and there is no hardship for them in doing so, then it is better to delay it from the beginning of its time to the middle of its time, or to one-third of the night, or to just before the middle, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said.

The presenter: But following the congregation, do you see, may your leniency be accepted, that it is better?

The Shaykh: Yes, but if it is a congregation with no hardship, the matter of the congregation, and no hardship for them in the mosques, it is prayed at the beginning of its time. It was recommended that the 'Isha' prayer be delayed by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), so he would delay it a little until they gather, then he would pray with them, without burdening them with a long delay. Whenever they gathered, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw that they had gathered, he would hasten, and if he saw that they were slow, he would delay (peace and blessings be upon him), taking care of them in the 'Isha' prayer; because people may have needs between the two 'Isha' times, they may have guests, or there may be things that the imam of the village and the imam of the mosque should observe regarding the conditions of their congregation. So if he sees that they have gathered, he hastens and does not burden them, and if he sees that they are delayed, he delays in consideration of their conditions, acting in accordance with his Sunnah (peace and blessings be upon him).

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.