It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once delayed the ‘Isha prayer so much that a considerable part of the night had passed according to Allah’s will. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came and said: O Messenger of Allah! The women and children have already fallen asleep. Upon this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came out and said:“If I did not fear hardship for my ummah, I would have commanded them to perform the ‘Isha prayer at this time.”