Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Once the Prophet (PBUH) delayed the `Isha (night) prayer till midnight. He (PBUH) turned to us after the prayer and said, "All the people slept after offering their prayers, but you who waited, will be accounted as if you were engaged in your prayer throughout the period."[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary:
We learn the following three points from this Hadith: First: `Isha' prayer can be deferred till midnight.
Second: It is permissible to keep awake for it to offer it in congregation. It is also permissible to engage in a beneficial activity after `Isha' prayer involving such important matters as acquiring teaching knowledge or even spending time with one's wife or guest.
Third: The period spent in waiting will be treated as time spent in Salat and its reward will also be greater in similar proportions.
|
