The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Our Lord who is blessed and exalted descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last one-third of the night remains, and says: Who supplicated Me so that I may answer him ? Who asks of Me so that I may give to him ? Who asks My forgiveness so that I may forgive him ?
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Our Lord who is blessed and exalted descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last one-third of the night remains, and says: Who supplicated Me so that I may answer him? Who asks of Me so that I may give to him? Who asks My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 1315 | Book: Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Voluntary Prayers
Meaning of Divine Descent
This descent (nuzūl) is a true reality as affirmed by the Prophet (ﷺ), but its modality (kayfiyyah) is unknown to us. We affirm it without likening Allah to creation (tashbīh) and without denying it (taʿṭīl). It befits Allah's majesty, unlike the descent of created beings.
This descent occurs in a manner that suits Allah's perfection, without movement, change of place, or physical direction, for Allah is free from all limitations of time and space.
Timing & Significance
The "last third of the night" is a time of special divine proximity. Scholars calculate this by dividing the night from Maghrib to Fajr into three equal parts. This period is particularly blessed for worship, supplication, and seeking forgiveness.
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized night prayers (Tahajjud) during this time, as the heart is more attentive and supplications are more readily accepted when worldly distractions are minimal.
Three Divine Invitations
"Who supplicates Me so I may answer him?" - This covers all forms of duʿāʾ (supplication), including requests for worldly and religious needs. Allah encourages His servants to ask from His boundless treasures.
"Who asks of Me so I may give to him?" - This specifically refers to requests for material and spiritual provisions. It demonstrates Allah's infinite generosity and willingness to bestow blessings upon those who ask.
"Who seeks My forgiveness so I may forgive him?" - This highlights Allah's mercy and readiness to pardon sins for those who sincerely repent, no matter how great their transgressions may be.
Practical Implications
Muslims should strive to wake during the last third of the night for Tahajjud prayer, recitation of Qur'an, and sincere supplication. Even if one cannot pray extensively, making duʿāʾ during this time is immensely valuable.
This hadith encourages hope in Allah's mercy and responsiveness. It teaches that Allah Himself invites us to ask from Him, demonstrating His love and care for His servants.
The repetition of this divine call every night shows the continuous opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection with the Creator, regardless of one's previous state.