Question: Assuming they do perform Maghrib at its proper time but still pray ʿIshāʾ half an hour later, as was mentioned—what is the ruling?

Answer: It is inconceivable that only half an hour separates sunset from the disappearance of the red twilight. Yet he says they pray ʿIshāʾ after the twilight has vanished; if that is truly the case, they have performed it within its time. What is more likely, however, is that they postpone Maghrib so that only half an hour remains between it and ʿIshāʾ. That is what I imagine is happening.

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Delaying the ʿIshāʾ Prayer

Question: I have heard that the later one prays ʿIshāʾ, the greater the reward. Acting on this, I stopped going to the mosque and began praying it by myself late at night in order to gain that reward. Is what I am doing correct?

Answer: What you have done is outright wrong, for you abandoned an obligation in pursuit of a recommended act. Delaying ʿIshāʾ until one-third of the night has passed is sunnah, whereas performing the prayer in congregation is obligatory. You have therefore forsaken the congregational prayer. You must repent to Allah and be diligent in attending the congregation: if they perform the prayer at the beginning of its time, pray it with them; and if they delay ʿIshāʾ to the optimal time, then delay it with them. This was the practice of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. When he saw his Companions had gathered early, he would lead the prayer promptly; when he saw them arrive late, he would delay it. He encouraged offering it later and deemed that preferable, but out of consideration for his Companions and kindness toward them, he usually led them in ʿIshāʾ at the beginning of its time.