Abul Qasim (the Prophet (ﷺ) ) said, "There is an hour (or a moment) of particular significance on Friday. If it happens that a Muslim is offering a prayer and invoking Allah for some good at that very moment, Allah will grant him his request." (The sub-narrator placed the top of his finger on the palm of the other hand between the middle finger and the little one.)
Hadith Commentary: The Special Hour of Friday
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 5294 speaks of a moment of immense divine favor on Friday when supplications are accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), referred to by his kunya Abul Qasim, highlights this unique temporal blessing.
The Nature of This Special Time
Scholars differ regarding the precise identification of this hour. Some hold it to be the final hour after Asr prayer until sunset, while others maintain it is the time when the Imam sits to deliver the khutbah until the prayer concludes. The wisdom behind its concealment encourages believers to engage in worship throughout Friday.
The gesture of the sub-narrator indicates the brevity and subtlety of this moment - like the small space between fingers - emphasizing the need for vigilance and continuous devotion to catch this auspicious time.
Conditions for Acceptance
The hadith specifies two conditions: being a Muslim and engaging in prayer and supplication at that exact moment. This teaches us that acceptance requires both proper faith and appropriate action. The combination of salah (prayer) and du'a (supplication) creates the optimal spiritual state for divine response.
Allah's promise to grant the request demonstrates His infinite mercy and the special status of Friday in Islamic tradition, making it a weekly opportunity for believers to seek their legitimate needs from the Most Generous.