As for the reason he did not habitually delay the prayer, nothing prevented him except his fear that the congregation might suffer hardship. On one occasion he did postpone it and said, “This is indeed its proper time, were it not that I would burden my community.”

Points derived from the ḥadith:

1. The preferred time for the ʿishāʾ prayer is to delay it, unless doing so entails undue hardship.
2. Whenever hardship arises, this lenient and gracious sharīʿah introduces ease and facilitation.
3. At times, performing an action that is less virtuous becomes more appropriate than the more virtuous option when special circumstances accompany it.
4. The Prophet’s ﷺ compassion and mercy toward his ummah were perfect and all-encompassing.
5. Some women and children used to attend the congregational prayer with the Prophet ﷺ.
6. ʿUmar’s candor with the Prophet ﷺ reflects the confidence he had in the Prophet’s noble character.
7. The report shows that it is permissible to remind one’s seniors if they might overlook something or in order to secure a benefit.