What is the preferred time for performing the Isha (Night) Prayer?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended to delay the Isha prayer until the latest part of its prescribed time, provided this delay does not cause hardship. This is the position chosen by the majority of scholars, including companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Successors. The evidence supporting this view is the statement of Abu Barzah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred to delay the Isha, which they called Al-Atamah. Furthermore, there is the sound and authentic Hadith stating, "Were it not that I would burden my Ummah, I would have commanded them to delay the Isha until the first third or half of the night."
Supporting text
It is narrated that Al-Shafi'i held that it is preferable to perform the Isha prayer earlier, based on the Prophet's saying: "The first time is the pleasure of Allah, and the later time is the pardon of Allah." This is further supported by the narration from Umm Furwah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The most beloved of deeds to Allah Almighty is the prayer at its first time," and that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not customarily delay it except once, implying that the earlier timing is superior.