It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delayed the Isha prayer so much that a third of the night was about to pass. Then he came to the mosque and saw the people in scattered groups. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) became very angry and said: If someone were to offer a man a bone or two hooves in front of the people, they would surely accept it, but they sit in their homes leaving the prayer. I had intended to order a man to go out in search of those who stay in their homes leaving the prayer and set their houses on fire.