What is the Isha Prayer?
The Isha prayer is the last of the five daily prayers in Islam; it is the sacred prayer performed at the onset of night and crowns the day's program of worship. Known in Arabic as "Salat al-Isha," the Isha prayer is performed in the time that begins with the complete disappearance of the evening redness (the shafaq/twilight). As the final link in the Muslim's daily worship, the Isha prayer is a deep spiritual experience that enables the believer to turn toward his Lord in the peace and stillness of the night.
The place of the Isha prayer in Islam is of the utmost importance. Because this prayer is performed in the hours when the darkness of night has settled, it carries a distinct virtue of its own. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Were it not that I feared it would be burdensome upon my ummah, I would delay the Isha prayer until one-third of the night had passed" (Muslim, Masajid, 220), pointing to the virtue of performing the Isha prayer within a portion of the night. The night is the period when a person turns away from worldly preoccupations and toward his own inner world, and when spirituality is felt most strongly. For this reason, the Isha prayer carries a great meaning as both the closing of the day and the beginning of the night's acts of worship.
From a historical perspective, the Isha prayer has played a central role in the ordering of the night in Islamic civilization. In Ottoman cities, with the Isha adhan the bazaars and markets would close, the city gates would shut, and the night watchmen would begin their duties. The Isha prayer became the fundamental measure that marked the beginning of the night in the daily rhythm of Muslim societies. The Tarawih prayer performed in mosques after the Isha prayer (during the month of Ramadan), the gatherings for the completion of the Qur'an (khatm), and the circles of dhikr are among the most beautiful examples of the richness of night worship in Islamic culture.
Unlike the other prayers, the Isha prayer contains within it the Witr prayer. The Witr prayer is wajib according to the Hanafi madhhab and is an inseparable part of the Isha prayer. Together with the Witr prayer, the Isha prayer reaches a total of 13 rakats, thus acquiring the distinction of being the prayer with the most rakats among the daily prayers. In this respect, the Isha prayer is a comprehensive whole of worship containing fard, sunnah, and wajib acts of worship all together. It also occupies a privileged position with such features as the possibility of being performed throughout the night, being combined with the Maghrib prayer when traveling, and serving as a means to the Tahajjud prayer.
What Time is the Isha Adhan Recited?
"What time is the Isha adhan today?" is one of the most frequently asked religious questions, especially during seasonal transitions. Because the time of the Isha adhan depends on the disappearance of the evening twilight, it varies greatly according to the season of the year and the geographical location of the city. Across Turkey, the Isha adhan is recited approximately between 22:00 and 23:00 in the summer months and between 17:30 and 18:30 in the winter months. This enormous difference of about 4–5 hours makes the Isha adhan one of the prayer times most affected by seasonal variation.
In Istanbul, the Isha adhan coincides with quite late hours around the summer solstice (June), approximately 22:45–23:00, while around the winter solstice (December) it is recited around 17:45–18:00. In Ankara, the Isha time enters approximately 10–15 minutes earlier than in Istanbul. In Hakkari, Turkey's easternmost city, the Isha adhan is recited about 40–50 minutes earlier than in Istanbul, while in Edirne, the westernmost, it is recited about 10 minutes later. This difference arises from differences in longitude and latitude.
The most important factor affecting the time of the Isha adhan is how long it takes for the shafaq to disappear after sunset. In the summer months the sun sets more slowly and the shafaq persists for a longer time; for this reason, the Isha time is significantly delayed. In the winter months, the sun sets rapidly and the shafaq disappears in a short time, so the Isha time enters early. Especially in summer, at northern latitudes (60 degrees and above) the shafaq may never fully disappear, and this situation requires special jurisprudential arrangements for Muslims in Scandinavian countries. In the northeastern regions of Turkey too, the Isha time can shift to quite late hours in the summer months.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) calculates and announces the Isha adhan times for all provinces and districts across Turkey based on astronomical calculations. You can follow current Isha adhan times via EzanVaktim.com or Diyanet's official mobile app. The dynamic clock indicator at the top of the page automatically displays the current Isha adhan time based on your location. Due to the permanent summer time (UTC+3) applied in Turkey since 2016, although the Isha adhan time appears earlier on the clock face during the winter months, astronomically the time is calculated in the same way.
When Does the Isha Prayer Time Begin?
The time of the Isha prayer begins when the evening redness (the shafaq/twilight) completely disappears from the horizon. Astronomically, this is calculated as the sun descending to a particular angle below the horizon. In Islamic jurisprudence there are some differences between the madhhabs regarding the beginning of the Isha time. These differences arise from the definition of the concept of "shafaq."
According to Imam Abu Hanifah, the beginning of the Isha time is determined by the disappearance of the shafaq al-abyad (white shafaq). The white shafaq is the complete ending of the brightness seen on the horizon after sunset — first appearing as redness, then yellowness, and finally whiteness. According to this view, the Isha time enters a little later than under the view of the Imamayn (Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad). The Imamayn and the other three madhhabs (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali), however, take as their basis the disappearance of the shafaq al-ahmar (red shafaq). According to this view, the Isha time begins with the disappearance of the red shafaq and enters somewhat earlier than under Abu Hanifah's view. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Turkey adopts the view of the Imamayn (the red shafaq) as its basis.
Establish the prayer at the sun's decline from its zenith until the darkness of the night, and the recitation of the dawn. Indeed, the recitation of the dawn is witnessed (by the angels).
The expression "until the darkness of the night" in this noble verse has been interpreted by exegetes as an expression that also encompasses the time of the Isha prayer. The settling of the darkness of night occurs with the complete disappearance of the shafaq, and this moment is the beginning of the Isha time. In the narration in which the Archangel Gabriel (peace be upon him) led the Prophet (peace be upon him) in prayer, it is reported that he led the Isha prayer at the moment when the shafaq had disappeared (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). This hadith clearly establishes that the time of the Isha prayer begins with the disappearance of the shafaq.
In modern astronomy, the angle of the sun below the horizon can be calculated very precisely. For the Isha time, the sun being 17–18 degrees below the horizon is generally taken as the criterion. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) uses astronomical formulas based on the sun's angle below the horizon in calculating the Isha time. These calculations are made separately for every province and district of Turkey to determine the official prayer times. In ancient times, Islamic astronomers determined the Isha time by tracking the disappearance of the redness or whiteness on the horizon with the naked eye.
How Many Rakats is the Isha Prayer?
Together with the Witr prayer, the Isha prayer is performed as a total of 13 rakats: 4 rakats of first sunnah (ghayr muakkad), 4 rakats of fard, 2 rakats of final sunnah (muakkad), and 3 rakats of Witr prayer (wajib). This rakat arrangement makes the Isha prayer the daily prayer with the most rakats. The Witr prayer is wajib in the Hanafi madhhab and is regarded as a complementary part of the Isha prayer.
The first sunnah of the Isha prayer: 4 rakats, in the ghayr muakkad sunnah category. This means it is a sunnah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) occasionally did not perform. Nevertheless, performing it is recommended and its reward is great. The first sunnah is performed by sitting after every two rakats (with a first sitting); that is, after the first and second rakats one sits and recites Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu), then performs the third and fourth rakats and gives the salam.
The fard of the Isha prayer: 4 rakats, obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim. In the fard of the Isha prayer, the imam recites aloud (jahr) in the first two rakats; in this respect it differs from the Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers are prayers with audible recitation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly encouraged performing the fard of the Isha prayer in congregation.
| Prayer | Type | Rakats | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Sunnah | Sunnah | 4 | Ghayr muakkad sunnah — sit after every two rakats |
| Isha Fard | Fard | 4 | Fard al-ayn — audible (jahr) recitation in the first 2 rakats |
| Final Sunnah | Sunnah | 2 | Muakkad sunnah — standard 2 rakats |
| Witr Prayer | Wajib | 3 | Wajib — the Qunut supplications are recited in the 3rd rakat |
The final sunnah of the Isha prayer: 2 rakats, performed after the fard. This is in the muakkad sunnah category; that is, the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed this sunnah regularly and its abandonment is not approved. After the final sunnah, the 3 rakats of Witr prayer are performed. The Witr prayer is wajib in the Hanafi madhhab and is accepted as a muakkad sunnah in the other madhhabs. The distinctive feature of the Witr prayer is that the Qunut supplications are recited in its third rakat. With its total of 13 rakats, the Isha prayer is the most comprehensive prayer of the daily life of worship.
How is the Isha Prayer Performed?
The Isha prayer is performed first with 4 rakats of first sunnah, then 4 rakats of fard, then 2 rakats of final sunnah, and finally 3 rakats of Witr prayer. The steps of each part are explained in detail below. Before beginning the prayer, the conditions of being in a state of wudu, covering the awrah, facing the qiblah, and being within the prayer time must be fulfilled.
The First Sunnah of the Isha Prayer (4 Rakats)
Intention (Niyyah) and Opening Takbir
Make the intention in the heart: "I intend to perform the first sunnah of the Isha prayer." Raise the hands to the level of the ears (women to shoulder level) and say "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer.
Qiyam — 1st and 2nd Rakats
Place the hands below the navel (Hanafi). Recite in order: Subhanaka, Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, Surah al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the second rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu) — this is the first sitting.
3rd and 4th Rakats
Stand up saying "Allahu Akbar." Recite Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah (in the sunnah prayer, an additional surah is recited in every rakat). Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the fourth rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu), Allahumma salli, Allahumma barik, and Rabbana atina supplications. Give the salam to the right and then to the left.
The Fard of the Isha Prayer (4 Rakats)
After the first sunnah, the iqamah is called and the fard of the Isha prayer is performed. If praying in congregation, one follows the imam; if praying alone, the manner is as follows:
Intention and Opening Takbir
Make the intention: "I intend to perform the fard of the Isha prayer." If praying in congregation, add "following the imam." Begin the prayer by saying "Allahu Akbar."
1st and 2nd Rakats (Audible Recitation)
Recite Subhanaka, Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. In the Isha prayer the recitation in the first two rakats is performed aloud (jahr). If praying in congregation, the imam recites aloud and the congregation listens. Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the second rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu).
3rd and 4th Rakats (Silent Recitation)
Stand up; only Basmalah and al-Fatihah are recited (no additional surah is recited in the third and fourth rakats of the fard). In these rakats the recitation is performed silently (sirr). Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the fourth rakat, in the final sitting, all the supplications are recited and the salam is given.
The Final Sunnah of the Isha Prayer (2 Rakats)
After the fard, 2 rakats of final sunnah are performed. Its performance is like the sunnah of the Fajr prayer: intention is made, 2 rakats are performed, and the salam is given. In the final sunnah, al-Fatihah and an additional surah are recited in each rakat. This sunnah is in the muakkad sunnah category and was prayed regularly by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The Witr Prayer (3 Rakats)
After the final sunnah, 3 rakats of Witr prayer are performed. The performance of the Witr prayer has distinct features that differ from the other prayers and is explained in detail in the section below.
The virtue of praying the Isha prayer in congregation is great. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays the Isha prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed half of the night. And whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation as well, it is as if he has prayed the whole night" (Muslim, Masajid, 260). This hadith clearly demonstrates what a great reward praying the Isha prayer in congregation carries. Going to the mosque at night, setting out in the darkness, and enduring the hardship multiply the reward of this prayer.
What is the Witr Prayer and How is it Performed?
The Witr prayer is a 3-rakat prayer that is wajib according to the Hanafi madhhab and is performed after the Isha prayer. The word "witr" in Arabic means "odd-numbered"; because the rakat count of the prayer is odd (3), and it also completes the total rakat count of the daily prayers to an odd number. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of the Witr prayer by saying: "Allah is One (witr) and loves the odd. O people of the Qur'an! Perform the Witr prayer" (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
In the other madhhabs (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali), the Witr prayer is accepted as a muakkad sunnah. In the Shafi'i madhhab, the Witr prayer may also be performed as 1 rakat; however, performing it as 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 rakats is also permissible. In the Hanafi madhhab, however, it is performed only as 3 rakats and is completed without interruption (with a single salam). The most distinctive feature of the Witr prayer is the Qunut supplications recited in its third rakat.
The Performance of the Witr Prayer (Step by Step)
Intention and Opening Takbir
Make the intention: "I intend to perform the Witr prayer." Begin the prayer by saying "Allahu Akbar." The hands are folded.
1st and 2nd Rakats
Recite Subhanaka, Ta'awwudh and Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. Perform ruku and prostrations. At the end of the second rakat, sit and recite Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu) — this is the first sitting. The salam is not given; one stands up.
3rd Rakat (Qunut Supplications)
Recite Basmalah, al-Fatihah, and an additional surah. After the additional surah, raise the hands to the level of the ears saying "Allahu Akbar" (the Qunut takbir). With hands folded, recite the Qunut supplications. Then go to ruku, perform the prostrations, and in the final sitting recite all the supplications and give the salam.
The Qunut Supplications
Qunut Supplication 1 (Allahumma inna nasta'inuka)
اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنَّا نَسْتَعٖينُكَ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَنَسْتَهْدٖيكَ وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَتُوبُ اِلَيْكَ وَنَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ وَنُثْنٖى عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ كُلَّهُ نَشْكُرُكَ وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ وَنَخْلَعُ وَنَتْرُكُ مَنْ يَفْجُرُكَ
"Allahumma inna nasta'inuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nastahdika wa nu'minu bika wa natubu ilayka wa natawakkalu 'alayka wa nuthni 'alayka'l-khayra kullahu nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku man yafjuruk."
Meaning: "O Allah! We seek Your help, we seek Your forgiveness for our sins, we ask You to guide us. We believe in You, we turn to You in repentance, we place our trust in You. We praise You by attributing all goodness and favor to You. We are grateful to You and do not deny any of Your blessings. We forsake and abandon those who disobey You."
Qunut Supplication 2 (Allahumma iyyaka na'budu)
اَللّٰهُمَّ اِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَلَكَ نُصَلّٖى وَنَسْجُدُ وَاِلَيْكَ نَسْعٰى وَنَحْفِدُ نَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ وَنَخْشٰى عَذَابَكَ اِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكُفَّارِ مُلْحِقٌ
"Allahumma iyyaka na'budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu wa ilayka nas'a wa nahfidu narju rahmataka wa nakhsha 'adhabaka inna 'adhabaka bi'l-kuffari mulhiq."
Meaning: "O Allah! We worship You alone, we pray only for You and prostrate to You. We strive only toward You and hasten to draw near to You. We hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Truly, Your punishment will reach the disbelievers."
Those who have not yet memorized the Qunut supplications may, in their place, recite the supplication "Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasanatan wa fi'l-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaba'n-nar" (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire). This supplication is a temporary substitute until the Qunut supplications are learned. Memorizing the Qunut supplications as soon as possible and reciting them in prayer carries great virtue.
The Virtue of the Isha Prayer
Whoever prays the Isha prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed half of the night. And whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation as well, it is as if he has prayed the whole night.
This noble hadith demonstrates that praying the Isha prayer in congregation earns a reward as if half of the night had been spent in worship. Going to the mosque at night, setting out in the darkness, and enduring the hardship multiply the reward of this prayer. Especially on cold winter nights or for the Isha prayer that runs to late hours in the summer months, going to the mosque is an indication of a person's sincerity (ikhlas) and earnestness.
The Isha prayer is at the same time a key that opens the door to the night's acts of worship. Anyone who intends the Tahajjud prayer after performing the Isha prayer attains the blessing of night worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "After the obligatory prayers, the most virtuous prayer is the night prayer" (Muslim, Siyam, 202). The Isha prayer is the preparation and beginning of this night prayer. A person who performs the Isha prayer with khushu and then spends a portion of the night in worship attains an exceedingly high station in spiritual terms.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that the Isha prayer is the prayer that the hypocrites find heaviest: "The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha and Fajr prayers. If they only knew the virtue contained in them, they would come to them even if they had to crawl" (Bukhari, Adhan, 34). This hadith shows that the Isha prayer is a touchstone that measures the degree of faith. A person who, in the darkness of night, leaves his comfort zone and turns toward the mosque demonstrates the strength of his faith.
The Isha prayer also has a distinct social place. The Tarawih prayer performed after the Isha prayer in the month of Ramadan is one of the most powerful manifestations of unity and togetherness in Muslim societies. Thousands of people who gather in mosques for the Tarawih prayer both fulfill their worship and strengthen their social bonds. The Isha prayer also acquires special importance throughout Ramadan as the beginning of the Tarawih prayer. In the Ottoman tradition, after the Isha prayer the khatm (completion of the Qur'an) would be recited in mosques, sermons would be given, and the congregation would be informed.
When Does the Isha Prayer Time End?
The time of the Isha prayer ends with the entry of the imsak (fajr al-sadiq) time. This is the same moment as the entry of the Fajr prayer time. That is, the Isha prayer may be performed throughout the night until the imsak time. However, Islamic scholars have indicated that delaying the Isha prayer until after midnight is makruh. Delaying the prayer until the end of the time has not been deemed appropriate because it increases the risk of forgetting or falling asleep.
In Islamic jurisprudence, the concept of "midnight" differs from astronomical midnight. Jurisprudential midnight is the exact halfway point between the entry of the Isha time and the imsak time. For example, if the Isha time enters at 20:00 and the imsak time enters at 04:00, then jurisprudential midnight is at 00:00. Since in winter the Isha time enters early and the imsak is also early, jurisprudential midnight may fall at an earlier hour. In the summer months, however, since the Isha time enters late and the imsak is also late, midnight shifts to later hours.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended that the Isha prayer be performed within the first third of the night. In some narrations he said: "Were it not that I feared it would be burdensome upon my ummah, I would delay the Isha prayer until one-third (or half) of the night had passed" (Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat, 25). This hadith shows that it is virtuous to delay the Isha prayer somewhat (but without going to excess). What is important is to perform the prayer, as far as possible, before midnight and not to forget to add the Witr prayer.
With the entry of the imsak time, the time of the Isha prayer completely ends. After this, anyone who wishes to perform the Isha prayer must intend it as qada (make-up). In a qada prayer, only the 4 rakats of fard and the 3 rakats of Witr (since the Witr is wajib) are prayed; the sunnahs are not made up. Although there are differing opinions among the madhhabs regarding the qada of the Witr prayer, in the Hanafi madhhab the Witr prayer is wajib and therefore its qada is required.
Is It Permissible to Delay the Isha Prayer?
The matter of delaying the Isha prayer carries a different ruling from that of the other prayers. According to the great majority of Islamic scholars, delaying the Isha prayer until the first third of the night is permissible and even mustahabb. The fundamental basis of this view is the hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him). In one narration the Prophet (peace be upon him) delayed the Isha prayer until a portion of the night had passed and then performed it (Bukhari, Mawaqit al-Salat).
Were it not that I feared it would cause hardship upon my ummah, I would delay the Isha prayer until one-third or half of the night had passed.
As understood from this hadith, delaying the Isha prayer somewhat is a practice the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred. However, there is an important balance here: although delaying is virtuous, going to excess and going past midnight is makruh. In some situations, delaying is not permissible:
When the Prayer is Held in Congregation
If the Isha prayer is to be performed in congregation, the time of the congregation should be followed. It is not appropriate to delay for the sake of the congregational prayer; for the virtue of praying in congregation is greater than the virtue of delaying.
Risk of Falling Asleep
If a person, in delaying, carries the risk of falling asleep and missing the prayer, he should pray at the beginning of the time. Missing the prayer is a far greater burden than the virtue of delaying.
After Midnight
Leaving the prayer until after jurisprudential midnight is makruh. Although it may be performed until the imsak time, performing it before midnight is strongly recommended.
In conclusion, after the time of the Isha prayer enters, delaying it somewhat is mustahabb, performing it up to midnight is permissible, performing it from midnight until the imsak is makruh, and once the imsak time has passed it must be made up as qada. The most ideal practice is to pray the Isha prayer in congregation or to perform it in the first half of its time. It is reported that Companions such as Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) used to delay the Isha prayer somewhat; however, they too did not go past midnight.
Isha Prayer Times in Cities Across Turkey
Because of Turkey's geographical location and seasonal changes, the time of the Isha prayer shows large differences from city to city and from month to month. The following table provides approximate Isha times in various cities of Turkey during the summer and winter months. These times may differ by a few minutes depending on the season and the year; for current times please follow EzanVaktim.com.
| City | Summer (June) | Winter (December) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ~22:50 | ~17:50 | ~5 hours |
| Ankara | ~22:30 | ~17:35 | ~5 hours |
| Izmir | ~22:40 | ~17:55 | ~4:45 |
| Antalya | ~22:15 | ~17:50 | ~4:25 |
| Trabzon | ~22:20 | ~17:20 | ~5 hours |
| Diyarbakir | ~21:50 | ~17:10 | ~4:40 |
| Hatay | ~21:45 | ~17:30 | ~4:15 |
As can be seen from the table above, the summer-winter difference in the Isha adhan time is an enormous range of approximately 4–5 hours. This difference makes the Isha prayer one of the prayer times most affected by seasonal variation. While this difference is more pronounced at northern latitudes (Istanbul, Trabzon), it is somewhat less at southern latitudes (Antalya, Hatay). In eastern provinces (Diyarbakir, Trabzon) the Isha time enters earlier, while in western provinces (Istanbul, Izmir) it enters later.
Especially in the summer months, the Isha time shifting to very late hours can create difficulty for working Muslims and families with children. In such cases, Islamic scholars have advised, when there is no possibility of praying early, to wait until the time enters and then to perform the prayer in the shortest possible time. In the summer months, the Isha time can approach 23:00 in some northern regions of Turkey, leaving a very short period for the night's acts of worship.
To follow seasonal change, it is important to regularly check the current prayer times. EzanVaktim.com automatically calculates and displays the current Isha adhan time based on your location. The countdown timer at the top of our page displays in real time the period remaining until the Isha adhan or the imsak time (the end of the time).
Noble Hadiths About the Isha Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) related many noble hadiths about the virtue, time, and performance of the Isha prayer. These hadiths clearly reveal the place and importance of the Isha prayer in Islam. Below are some of the most important noble hadiths concerning the Isha prayer:
"The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha and Fajr prayers. If they only knew the virtue contained in them, they would come to them even if they had to crawl."
"Whoever prays the Isha prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed half of the night. And whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation as well, it is as if he has prayed the whole night."
"Allah is One (witr) and loves the odd. O people of the Qur'an! Perform the Witr prayer."
"Make the last of your prayers at night the Witr."
"Give the glad tidings of a complete light on the Day of Resurrection to those who walk to the mosques in the darkness."
These noble hadiths clearly demonstrate the exceptional place of the Isha prayer and the Witr prayer in Islam. In particular, the expression "those who walk to the mosques in the darkness" directly addresses Muslims who go to the Isha and Fajr prayers and promises them a complete light on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) insistent recommendations about the Witr prayer reveal that this prayer carries an importance close to that of the fard prayers.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the mother of the believers, said the following about the Prophet's (peace be upon him) night acts of worship: "After praying the Isha prayer, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would come to his family (to me), pray four or six rakats, and then sleep. He would rise in the last third of the night and perform Tahajjud" (Bukhari, Tahajjud). This narration shows that performing additional voluntary (nafl) prayers after the Isha prayer and rising for Tahajjud at night was the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Surahs and Supplications Recited in the Isha Prayer
The Isha prayer is one of those prayers in which the recitation in the first two rakats is performed aloud (jahr). The imam or the person praying alone recites al-Fatihah and the additional surah aloud in the first two rakats of the fard; in the last two rakats only al-Fatihah is recited silently (sirr). It is sunnah to recite medium-length surahs in the Isha prayer.
In the Sunnah and Witr Prayers
- In each rakat: al-Fatihah + any surah you wish
- Witr 1st rakat: al-Fatihah + Surah al-A'la (recommended)
- Witr 2nd rakat: al-Fatihah + Surah al-Kafirun (recommended)
- Witr 3rd rakat: al-Fatihah + Surah al-Ikhlas (recommended)
In the sunnah and Witr prayers, an additional surah is recited in every rakat.
In the Fard Prayer
- 1st and 2nd Rakats: al-Fatihah + medium-length surah (aloud)
- 3rd and 4th Rakats: only al-Fatihah (silently)
No additional surah is recited in the last two rakats of the fard.
Some of the surahs that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have recited in the fard of the Isha prayer include: Surah ash-Shams, Surah al-Layl, Surah at-Tin, Surah al-Alaq, and similar medium-length surahs. For the Witr prayer, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite Surah al-A'la in the first rakat, Surah al-Kafirun in the second rakat, and Surah al-Ikhlas in the third rakat (Tirmidhi, Witr). This practice is the manner of performance in accordance with the sunnah; however, different surahs may also be recited.
The Isha Adhan and the Post-Adhan Supplication
When you hear the Isha adhan, repeat what the muezzin says. At the phrases "Hayya 'ala's-salah" and "Hayya 'ala'l-falah," however, say "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah." After the adhan ends, recite the following supplication:
Supplication After the Adhan
اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هٰذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ اٰتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسٖيلَةَ وَالْفَضٖيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذٖى وَعَدْتَهُ
"Allahumma Rabba hadhihi'd-da'wati't-tammah, wa's-salati'l-qa'imah, ati Muhammadan-il wasilata wa'l-fadilah, wab'athhu maqaman mahmudan-illadhi wa'adtah."
Meaning: "O Allah! Lord of this perfect call and of the prayer about to be established! Grant Muhammad al-wasilah and al-fadilah, and raise him to the Maqam Mahmud (Praised Station) that You have promised him."
There are also supplications and dhikrs recommended to be recited before sleeping after the Isha prayer. Reciting Ayat al-Kursi, reading Surah al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas and blowing into the hands to wipe the body are among the practices of the Prophet (peace be upon him) before sleep. These practices form a part of the transition to the peace of night after the Isha prayer and provide spiritual protection.
Etiquette and Manners of the Isha Prayer
As the last fard prayer performed at the beginning of the night, the Isha prayer has its own particular rules of etiquette and manners. These rules have been carefully compiled by Islamic scholars in order to increase the spiritual depth of the prayer and strengthen a person's khushu (devout concentration).
1. Do Not Sleep Before the Isha Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not approve of sleeping before the Isha prayer. Sleeping before the Isha prayer increases the risk of missing it. If you are very tired, you may take a short nap; but be careful to set an alarm so as not to miss the Isha time.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Conversation After the Isha Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) considered unnecessary conversation (idle talk, gossip, empty chatter) after the Isha prayer to be makruh. After the Isha prayer it is preferred to turn to worship, read the Qur'an, or sleep. A circle of learning, beneficial consultation, and family conversation are exceptions to this.
3. Renew the Wudu
Taking a fresh wudu for the night prayer is important for both physical and spiritual cleanliness. Sleeping in a state of wudu is also among the Prophet's (peace be upon him) recommendations.
4. Do Not Forget the Witr Prayer
After the final sunnah of the Isha prayer, be sure to perform the Witr prayer. The Witr prayer is wajib in the Hanafi madhhab, and its abandonment is a great deficiency. If you are planning to perform Tahajjud at night, you may leave the Witr prayer until after the Tahajjud.
5. Dhikr and Supplication Before Sleeping
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping after the Isha prayer, saying "Subhanallah" 33 times, "Alhamdulillah" 33 times, and "Allahu Akbar" 34 times is the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
6. Supplication When Going to the Mosque in the Dark
When going to the mosque in the darkness of night, it is sunnah to recite the supplication "Allahumma'j'al fi qalbi nura" (O Allah, place light in my heart). This supplication represents the spiritual illumination of the Muslim walking in the dark.
These rules of etiquette and manners transform the Isha prayer from being merely a bodily act of worship into a spiritual journey. The silence and darkness of the night are the most beautiful setting for the servant to be alone with his Lord. Making use of this setting is the key to fully benefiting from the spiritual blessing of the Isha prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "At night there is a moment in which, if a Muslim asks Allah for any good thing concerning this world or the next, Allah will surely give it to him. And this is so every night" (Muslim).
Night Worship: The Relationship Between Tahajjud and the Isha Prayer
The Isha prayer is the fundamental prayer that opens the door to night acts of worship in Islam. The time of night, which begins after the Isha prayer, is a blessed segment of time that is especially recommended for worship in the Holy Qur'an and the noble hadiths. The Tahajjud prayer is a nafl prayer performed by sleeping after the Isha prayer and then rising after midnight, and it is the highest station of night worship in Islam.
And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station (Maqam Mahmud).
This noble verse announces that the Tahajjud prayer was commanded as a special act of worship for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and is a means of attaining the Maqam Mahmud. While the Tahajjud prayer was fard for the Prophet (peace be upon him), for his ummah it is a nafl (voluntary) act of worship. Nevertheless, it is accepted as the most virtuous prayer after the obligatory prayers.
The relationship between the Isha prayer and the Tahajjud is as follows: the Isha prayer is the obligatory prayer of the night and must absolutely be performed. The Tahajjud prayer, however, is a nafl prayer performed by sleeping after the Isha and then waking at night. The Witr prayer serves as a bridge between these two prayers. If a person plans to perform Tahajjud, it is recommended to leave the Witr prayer until after the Tahajjud; for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Make the last of your prayers at night the Witr" (Bukhari, Witr).
The Tahajjud prayer is generally performed as 2, 4, 8, or 12 rakats. Performing it by giving the salam after every two rakats is the most virtuous form. The Prophet (peace be upon him) most often performed 8 rakats of Tahajjud and then 3 rakats of Witr, reaching a total of 11 rakats. The most virtuous time for the night prayer is the last third of the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) related the hadith: "Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night and says: 'Is there anyone calling upon Me, that I may answer his call? Is there anyone asking of Me, that I may grant his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?'" (Bukhari, Tahajjud, 14).
Performing the Isha prayer with khushu, then making supplication and dhikr before sleeping, and rising for Tahajjud in the last part of the night is the ideal form of a Muslim's program of night worship. This program begins with the Isha prayer and ends with the imsak time. Anyone who applies this process regularly will find great blessing and peace in both worldly and otherworldly life. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Hold fast to the night prayer; for it is the practice of the righteous servants before you. The night prayer draws one near to Allah, restrains from sins, atones for sins, and removes illnesses from the body" (Tirmidhi, Da'awat, 101).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is the Isha prayer?
Together with the Witr prayer, the Isha prayer is a total of 13 rakats: 4 rakats of first sunnah (ghayr muakkad), 4 rakats of fard, 2 rakats of final sunnah (muakkad), and 3 rakats of Witr prayer (wajib). Since the first sunnah is ghayr muakkad, it may occasionally be omitted; but the fard, the final sunnah, and the Witr must be performed. The Witr prayer is wajib in the Hanafi madhhab and is an inseparable part of the Isha prayer.
What time is the Isha adhan recited?
The Isha adhan is recited with the complete disappearance of the evening twilight (shafaq). In Turkey, this time varies greatly with the seasons. It is recited approximately between 22:00 and 23:00 in the summer months and between 17:30 and 18:30 in the winter months. In Istanbul it is recited around 22:50 at the summer solstice and around 17:50 at the winter solstice. It is recited earlier in the eastern provinces and later in the western provinces. You can follow the current Isha adhan time via EzanVaktim.com.
How is the Witr prayer performed?
The Witr prayer is performed as 3 rakats and is completed with a single salam (Hanafi). After making the intention, one begins the prayer. In the first two rakats al-Fatihah and an additional surah are recited, and at the end of the second rakat one sits and recites Tashahhud (Ettehiyyatu). Then one stands up; in the third rakat al-Fatihah and an additional surah are recited. After the additional surah, the hands are raised saying "Allahu Akbar" (the Qunut takbir) and the Qunut supplications are recited. Then one goes to ruku, performs the prostrations, and in the final sitting recites all the supplications and gives the salam.
When does the Isha prayer time end?
The time of the Isha prayer ends with the entry of the imsak (fajr al-sadiq) time. That is, the Isha prayer may be performed throughout the night until the imsak time. However, leaving it until after midnight is makruh. After the imsak time enters, the Isha prayer is performed as qada (make-up). In the qada prayer, only the fard (4 rakats) and the Witr (3 rakats) are prayed; the sunnahs are not made up.
Is delaying the Isha prayer rewarded?
Yes, delaying the Isha prayer until the first third of the night is mustahabb (carries reward). The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended this. However, if there is an opportunity to pray in congregation, not missing the congregation is more virtuous. Moreover, if there is a risk of falling asleep, one must pray immediately. Leaving it until after midnight is makruh, and missing the imsak time requires qada.
Does the imam recite aloud in the Isha prayer?
Yes, in the fard of the Isha prayer the imam recites aloud (jahr) in the first two rakats. In the third and fourth rakats, however, he recites silently (sirr). The Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers are prayers with audible recitation; the Dhuhr and Asr prayers are prayers with silent recitation. A person praying alone may also recite aloud in the first two rakats; however, reciting silently is also permissible.
What do I recite if I do not know the Qunut supplications?
Those who have not yet memorized the Qunut supplications may, in their place, recite "Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasanatan wa fi'l-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaba'n-nar" (Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire). Some scholars have indicated that saying "Allahumma'ghfir li" (O Allah, forgive me) three times is also sufficient. However, it is important to memorize the Qunut supplications as soon as possible.
Can the Isha and Maghrib prayers be combined?
According to the Hanafi madhhab, combining (jam') prayers is permissible only during the rites of Hajj (the Dhuhr with the Asr at Arafat, and the Maghrib with the Isha at Muzdalifah). However, according to the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali madhhabs, the Maghrib and Isha prayers may be combined on account of excuses such as travel, illness, or heavy rain. This may be done as jam' taqdim (performing both during the Maghrib time) or jam' ta'khir (performing both during the Isha time). Those who follow the Hanafi madhhab may, in cases of necessity, make use of the view of the other madhhabs.
