Q 33: Is it permissible for women to pray the ‘Isha’ (night) Prayer after twelve o’clock at night? Is it disliked to perform it at eleven thirty, for instance ?
A: The time of ‘Isha’ Prayer extends until midnight. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The time of ‘Isha’ Prayer extends until midnight. It is impermissible for women to delay the ‘Isha’ Prayer until midnight.
The length of the night varies, so if there are nine hours of night, for instance, then half of this is four hours and half, according to the time of sunset. If it is twelve hours, according to the time of sunset, then its half will be six hours and a half. After this that, it is not permissible for the sick or women to delay it until midnight.
As for men who are not ill, they are to pray with the people in the Masjid (mosque).However, if a man prays at home due to illness, he should pray before midnight and the same applies to the woman.
Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb
Browse by Volume Number > Volume 7 > Book of Salah > The remaining of the chapter on the conditions of Salah > Women delaying the `Isha’ Prayer until twelve at night
AbdurRahman.Org 