Difference Between 'Isha' and 'Layl' in Context of Prayers and Fasting

[Reader Questions]

Salamum alaikum brother,

I just wanted to ask what is the difference between 'isha and layl within the context of the Qu'ran, prayers and fasting.

Regards,

[Joseph Islam]

Wa alaikum assalam
 
‘Isha’ denotes the evening prayer (24:58) or period (12:16) which corresponds to the segment of the night when there is total darkness or at least when as much scattered light that can disappear leaves the night sky (especially in the northern hemispheres where it may not get 'totally' dark).
 
So an 'Isha' prayer will be a night time prayer, different from a 'Maghrib' prayer which is one that is established just after 'sunset' (ghurub) [1].
 
'Layl' (night) is a point after sunset (not at sunset - ghurub) which leads to total darkness till the point of dawn (fajr) (or as the Quran puts it in 2:187, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread).
 
I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.
 
 
[1] GHURUB
http://quransmessage.com/articles/ghurub%20FM3.htm