It is narrated from Sayyiduna Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with them both) that I have the most knowledge among the people about the time of this prayer (i.e., the time of the ‘Isha prayer). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer (the ‘Isha prayer) at the time when the third night’s moon would set. Yahya said: Imam Darimi (may Allah have mercy on him) dictated this narration in his book through the route of Bashir bin Thabit.
Hadith Referenceسنن دارمي / من كتاب الصللاة / 1245
Hadith Takhrijیہ حدیث صحیح ہے۔ ابوعوانہ الوضاح اور ابوبشر: جعفر بن ابی وحشیہ ہیں۔ دیکھئے: [أحمد 274/4] ، [أبوداؤد 418] ، [ترمذي 165] ، [نسائي 529]
Brief Explanation
(Commentary on Hadith 1244) That is, at the earliest time, immediately after the disappearance of the twilight (shafaq), you used to perform the ‘Isha prayer.