Isha Salat Times

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 22 Rajab 1423, 29 September 2002


Q.) I live in USA, northern America. I used to pray Isha late at night as I was of the view that you should pray with full concentration and dedication. But someone told me that after 12 "zawal" time starts and so one should not delay Isha that long.

A.) The time for performing Isha Salat is categorized into three portions; a) Mustahabb (preferred), b) Mubaah (permissible), c) Makrooh (disliked).

To perform Isha Salat till one third of the night is Mustahabb (preferred). Nabi Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, 'If it was not difficult for the Ummah, I would have commanded them to delay Isha Salat to one third of the night.' (Mishkaat pg.61; Qadeemi)

Thereafter, from one third to half of the night, to perform Isha is Mubaah (permissible). However, from half night till dawn, to perform Isha is Makrooh (disliked). (Tahtawi vol.1 pg.99; Qadeemi).

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best