It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delayed the Isha prayer until one third of the night for nine nights. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) submitted, "O Messenger of Allah, if you would lead this prayer earlier, it would make standing in the night (qiyam al-layl) easier for us." Thereafter, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) began to lead it earlier.