Is the blameworthy delay of prayer that which extends until the entry of the time for the next prayer, or is it a short delay from the beginning of its prescribed time, even if its total time has not elapsed? And is the person who entertains evil thoughts and imaginations sinful?

The delay of prayer for which a Muslim incurs sin is performing it after its prescribed legal time has expired, such as the time for Dhuhr prayer which ends with the entry of the time for Asr prayer, unless the delay is due to a legitimate excuse, such as someone who was asleep or someone who intended to combine prayers. As for performing the prayer within any part of its time before it expires, there is no sin in that, even if the worshiper misses the reward of praying at the beginning of its time.