Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, 'Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?' "
The Excellence of the Last Third of the Night
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (6321) reveals a magnificent divine opportunity that occurs in the depths of each night. The final third of the night is a time when Allah's mercy descends and His responsiveness to supplication reaches its peak.
Divine Descent Explained
Allah's descent to the lowest heaven is in a manner befitting His majesty, not like the descent of created beings. As Imam al-Tahawi stated: "He is beyond having limits, ends, organs, or instruments. The six directions do not contain Him as they do created things."
This descent signifies Allah's special attention, mercy, and readiness to respond during this blessed time, demonstrating His infinite generosity and accessibility to His servants.
The Threefold Divine Offer
Allah calls out three specific invitations: for those seeking response to their prayers, for those asking for provisions and needs, and for those seeking forgiveness. This comprehensive offer covers all aspects of a believer's spiritual and worldly needs.
The repetition of the question emphasizes Allah's eagerness to bestow His favors and His disappointment when His servants neglect this precious opportunity.
Practical Implications for the Believer
This hadith encourages night vigil (Qiyam al-Layl) and emphasizes the importance of waking for Tahajjud prayer. As the Quran states: "And from the night, wake for prayer as an additional duty for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station." (17:79)
The wise believer should calculate the night's duration to determine the exact time of the last third, making sincere supplication during this period with humility and certainty of response.
Scholarly Commentary on the Timing
Scholars differ on calculating the last third: some divide the night from Maghrib to Fajr into three equal parts, while others divide from Isha to Fajr. The more precautionary approach is to begin supplications earlier to ensure catching this blessed period.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this divine descent occurs every night without exception, demonstrating Allah's continuous mercy and making this opportunity available throughout the year.