Islam DLC not absolutely required. Beth and I will play that DLC at some point, but we can do without it for a game with more players. With the sale gone, the required DLC for an islam game goes for €10 and the bells and whistles that dont really add much (african unit pack, song of the caliph) cost a few euros more. Up to you... As we said in shout, we can go for a France game or w.e. with ppl that dont have islam DLC.
Regarding timing: Planning is difficult for me atm with the baby and all, so dedicated nights are a no go tbh. Beth and I usually hook up when we see the other is online and then play for as long as I can manage, sometimes one hour, sometimes a few. Ad hoc as hell.