Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the latter part of the night is left, and says: Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give to him? Who asks Me forgiveness so that I may forgive him?
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 758 a
Hadith Text
Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the latter part of the night is left, and says: Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give to him? Who asks Me forgiveness so that I may forgive him?
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith reveals Allah's immense mercy and proximity to His servants during the last third of the night. This descent (nuzūl) is in a manner befitting His majesty, not like the descent of created beings. It demonstrates Allah's generosity in inviting His servants to seek His blessings.
The timing is significant - the latter portion of the night is when hearts are most receptive, distractions are minimal, and supplications are most likely to be accepted. Allah's questioning "Who supplicates Me?" is an invitation, not from need, but from divine generosity.
The three-fold offer encompasses all spiritual needs: answered supplication for worldly and religious matters, granting of requests for both immediate and eternal benefits, and forgiveness for past transgressions. This shows Allah's comprehensive mercy covering all aspects of a believer's life.
Scholars emphasize this does not imply physical movement or change in Allah's essence, but rather a special manifestation of His mercy and responsiveness during this blessed time, encouraging believers to engage in night prayers (tahajjud) and sincere supplication.