Isha Time in Yonge-Eglinton, Canada is 06:07 PM
Salat Al-Isha, Isha Salat or Isha Namaz, is the night prayer. It is the fifth and last prayer Muslims perform each day. With Isha, Muslims can take time to calm their minds, turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and look for forgiveness right before they sleep.
We will discuss the proper Isha namaz rakats, the appropriate time to pray, how to pray each rakat and the significance of the Isha prayer in Islam.
After the red light in the sky is gone, which generally happens 1.5 to 2 hours after Maghrib, you can start the Isha rakat prayer. It can go on until midnight or a bit afterward, depending on the location.
This timing is confirmed in Sahih al-Bukhari, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized flexibility in Isha timing based on ease and community readiness. For example:
Narrated Anas:
"The Prophet (ﷺ) delayed the `Isha' prayer till midnight and then he offered the prayer and said, "The people prayed and slept but you have been in prayer as long as you have been waiting for it (the prayer)." Anas added: As if I am looking now at the glitter of the ring of the Prophet (ﷺ) on that night."
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 572
This shows that the Prophet (ﷺ) sometimes delayed Isha significantly, especially when convenient for the congregation. However, he also expressed that earlier timing may be easier for the people:
Narrated Abu Barza:
"Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) disliked to sleep before the `Isha' prayer and to talk after it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 568
Download the Muslim and Quran mobile app for android or iOS to find exact Isha prayer times in your location.
The Isha namaz rakat has a total of 17 rakats which are separated into the following:
As a result, the Isha rakat can be seen as consisting of the following:
Stand facing the Qibla. Direction should be of the Ka’bah in Mecca. You can use websites like Muslim and Quran to find the Qibla direction.
Next, make your intention (niyyah) in your heart or softly with your lips:
"I intend to offer 4 rakat fardh Salat for Isha for the sake of Allah."
Raise both hands up to your ears (shoulder level for women), palms facing forward, and say:
"Allahu Akbar"
This is Takbir al-Ihram, the opening of the prayer.
Now, fold your hands:
Recite:
"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta‘ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk"
Translation: "Glorious You are, O Allah, and with Your praise, blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your majesty, and none has the right to be worshipped but You."
Say:
"A‘oodhu Billaahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-rajeem"
(I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.)
Then recite:
"Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem"
(In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate)
Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another surah or portion of the Quran. You may choose short surahs like:
Say "Allahu Akbar". Now bow down with your hands on your knees.
While in ruku, recite three times:
"Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem"
(Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)
Rise from ruku saying:
"Sami’-Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him)
Then say:
"Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd" (Our Lord, all praise is for You)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and go into sujood. Your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes should touch the ground. Recite three times:
"Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la"
(Glory is to my Lord, the Most High)
Say "Allahu Akbar" and sit in juloos.
While sitting, say:
"Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li"
(O my Lord, forgive me, forgive me.)
Say "Allahu Akbar". Then perform the second sujood. Now reciting "Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la" thrice.
"Attahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat..."
To complete the prayer, turn your head to the right and say:
"Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah"
Then to the left and repeat:
"Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah"
Your 4 rakat fardh Isha is now complete
The Witr prayer is different from the other prayers. There are three rakats in this prayer. After the first two rakats, in the third, recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” before you say the Dua-e-Qunoot. The rest of the steps are the same.
Isha Salat brings many benefits Muslims in their lives. Let’s look at a few:
Having no reason for missing Isha can be risky for your faith. Since it is hard to pray at night, Allah gives a greater reward for it.
Forgetting to pray the three Witr rakats is a common mistake. The witr prayers are necessary and should never be neglected.
Focus on Ruku and Sujood and do not rush them. Take your time and do each step with attention.
Even though Sunnah rakats are not mandatory, the Prophet (ﷺ) regularly prayed them and they reward us greatly.
Make sure you finish your prayer before Fajr. Try to offer your Isha prayers as early in the night as possible.
You need to do this for the Witr prayer. If you are not familiar with it, try to study it step-by-step or look for help from someone who knows.
Salat Al-Isha is the last prayer of the day and helps you end with thoughts of Allah. The prayer consists of 17 Isha rakat which are made up of fard, sunnah and witr. Being aware of the correct Isha namaz rakat allows you to do the prayer in the right way.
egins, depending on where you live.