As for what is recommended, it is to busy oneself with beneficial knowledge—through reading, memorization, or scholarly discussion; to converse with a guest so as to put him at ease and honor him; to speak with one’s family in order to draw their hearts together; and the like. Casual, occasional conversation that is not habitual comes under the same heading. None of this is blameworthy; rather, it is praiseworthy when the intent is to secure some good.

The author then cites several reports, among them the hadith of Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet ﷺ used to dislike sleeping before the ‘Isha prayer and talking afterward.” He disliked sleeping beforehand because it leads to sluggishness when one rises to pray, and a person may even sleep so soundly that he delays the prayer beyond its appointed time. For that reason the Prophet ﷺ found it reprehensible to sleep before ‘Isha, wanting people to remain alert.

Drowsiness, however, is not a matter of choice and therefore incurs no blame. The decisive wording in the hadith is “and talking afterward,” indicating that the Prophet ﷺ disliked conversation after ‘Isha. Yet if the discussion is beneficial, there is no harm in it. Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ would on occasion speak with his Companions after the ‘Isha prayer, advising them and clarifying matters for them—and that is perfectly permissible. Allah alone grants success.