Chapter: The Dislike of Talking after the late ‘Isha Prayer

What is intended here is the kind of conversation that is ordinarily permissible at other times, for which speaking or remaining silent is the same. As for speech that is already forbidden or disliked at other times, it is even more strictly forbidden and disliked at this time. By contrast, conversation that serves a good purpose—such as reviewing knowledge, relating the stories of the righteous, discussing noble character, speaking with a guest, assisting someone in need, and the like—is not disliked; rather, it is recommended. The same applies to speech arising from a necessity or unexpected circumstance: there is no censure in it. Numerous authentic hadiths corroborate all that I have stated.

1746 – Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to dislike sleeping before the ‘Isha prayer and talking afterward. Agreed upon.

1747 – Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed the ‘Isha prayer toward the end of his life. When he had concluded, he said, “Tell me, what do you think of this night of yours? Within one hundred years, none of those who are presently upon the face of the earth will remain.” Agreed upon.

1748 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that they waited for the Prophet ﷺ, and he came to them