Ibn Jurayj says: I asked Ata: Which time do you prefer most for me to perform the Isha prayer, whether I am leading as an imam or praying alone? He replied: I heard Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrate this: One night, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delayed the Isha prayer until the people fell asleep, then they woke up, then slept again, then woke up. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Prayer! The Prophet (peace be upon him) came out—this scene is still before my eyes—water droplets were dripping from his head, and he had his hand placed on his head. He said: "If I did not fear hardship for my ummah, I would have commanded them to perform this prayer at this time."