There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim servant would pray and would ask Allah for a thing (that is good) but He would give it to him. Qutaiba pointed with the help of his hand that it (the time) is short.
The Book of Prayer - Friday
Sahih Muslim 852 a
Hadith Text
There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim servant would pray and would ask Allah for a thing (that is good) but He would give it to him. Qutaiba pointed with the help of his hand that it (the time) is short.
Commentary
This blessed hour on Friday is a special divine mercy wherein supplications are accepted. The scholars differ regarding its precise timing: some hold it is while the Imam is delivering the sermon until prayer ends; others say it is the final hour after Asr; yet others maintain it is from when the Imam ascends the pulpit until prayer completion.
The gesture indicating its brevity emphasizes the need for vigilance in seeking this opportune moment. This aligns with Allah's wisdom in making precious things scarce to increase their value in the hearts of believers. The Muslim should therefore increase supplication throughout Friday, particularly at these disputed times, to attain this great blessing.
Juridical Ruling
The consensus of scholars affirms the existence of this special hour based on multiple authentic narrations. While the exact time remains hidden to encourage continuous worship, the most preponderant opinion is that it occurs during the last hour before sunset on Friday. The wisdom in concealing its exact moment is to keep Muslims engaged in worship throughout the day.