Allah descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the first part of the night is over and says: I am the Lord; I am the Lord: who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to beg of Me so that I grant him? Who is there to beg forgiveness from Me so that I forgive him? He continues like this till the day breaks.
Hadith Text & Reference
"Allah descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the first part of the night is over and says: I am the Lord; I am the Lord: who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to beg of Me so that I grant him? Who is there to beg forgiveness from Me so that I forgive him? He continues like this till the day breaks."
Source: Sahih Muslim, The Book of Prayer - Travellers, Hadith: 758 b
Meaning of the Descent
This descent (nuzūl) is a real attribute of Allah as He has described Himself, but it is not like the descent of created beings. It befits His Majesty without asking "how" (bilā kayf) and without resemblance to creation. This is the way of the pious predecessors (Salaf).
The phrase "lowest heaven" indicates a specific divine action that occurs in a manner that transcends human spatial understanding, affirming Allah's absolute transcendence above His creation while simultaneously affirming His nearness and responsiveness to His servants.
The Call & Its Implications
Allah's call contains three fundamental forms of worship: supplication (du'ā'), asking for needs (su'āl), and seeking forgiveness (istighfār). This demonstrates Allah's immense generosity and His desire to bestow mercy upon His servants.
The repetition of "I am the Lord" emphasizes His sovereignty and His right to be worshipped alone, while simultaneously encouraging His servants to turn to Him with their needs, certain of His ability and willingness to respond.
Timing & Duration
The specified time - "when one-third of the first part of the night is over" - indicates the last third of the night, a time particularly blessed for worship. The scholars have differed on whether this descent occurs once or throughout the night, but the predominant opinion is that it continues until dawn.
This timing encourages Muslims to wake for night prayer (Tahajjud), making this period an exceptional opportunity for intimate conversation with the Creator when distractions are minimal and hearts are most receptive.
Practical Guidance
This hadith motivates believers to actively seek this blessed time for worship, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. It teaches that Allah is exceptionally close and responsive during these hours.
The believer should approach this time with hope, certainty in Allah's response, and humility, recognizing this as a divine invitation to draw nearer to the Most Merciful through acts of devotion and sincere petition.