5/39. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 643b — Delayed and Short Isha Prayer
The time of `Isha and delaying it
Hadith About Delaying Isha and Shortening the Prayer
Sahih Muslim : 643b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 643b
وَحَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَأَبُو كَامِلٍ الْجَحْدَرِيُّ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنْ سِمَاكٍ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُصَلِّي الصَّلَوَاتِ نَحْوًا مِنْ صَلاَتِكُمْ وَكَانَ يُؤَخِّرُ الْعَتَمَةَ بَعْدَ صَلاَتِكُمْ شَيْئًا وَكَانَ يُخِفُّ الصَّلاَةَ . وَفِي رِوَايَةِ أَبِي كَامِلٍ يُخَفِّفُ .
Jabir b. Samura reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe prayers like your prayers, but he would delay the prayer after nightfall to a little after the time you observed it, and he would shorten the prayer.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 643bIn-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 287USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1342
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 643b
This Hadith gives two clear details about the Prophet's prayer. Jabir b. Samura says that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to pray like the people prayed, but he would delay the prayer after nightfall a little beyond their time, and he would shorten the prayer. The focus is delayed Isha prayer and light prayer. The report does not say that Isha should always be delayed for a long time. It says he delayed it somewhat after the time they prayed it. It also mentions that he kept the prayer short. This brings together timing and ease: Isha could be delayed, but the prayer was not made heavy on the people.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم delayed Isha a little after nightfall in this report.
- He also shortened the prayer, showing ease for worshippers.
- Prayer practice includes both timing and consideration for people.
