When half of the night or two-third of it is over. Allah, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven and says: Is there any beggar, so that he be given? Is there any supplicator so that he be answered? Is there any beggar of forgiveness so that he be forgiven? (And Allah continues it saying) till it is daybreak.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 758 c
Hadith Text
When half of the night or two-third of it is over. Allah, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven and says: Is there any beggar, so that he be given? Is there any supplicator so that he be answered? Is there any beggar of forgiveness so that he be forgiven? (And Allah continues it saying) till it is daybreak.
Commentary
This noble hadith describes the divine descent (nuzūl) of Allah during the last third of the night, a time of immense spiritual significance. The scholars affirm that this descent occurs in a manner befitting Allah's majesty without resembling His creation, as His attributes transcend human comprehension.
The timing specified - when half or two-thirds of the night has passed - indicates the period most conducive to acceptance of supplications. This is when distractions are minimal and hearts are most receptive to divine communication.
Allah's call for beggars, supplicators, and seekers of forgiveness demonstrates His infinite generosity and mercy. It invites believers to rise for night prayer (tahajjud) and engage in sincere devotion, knowing their Lord is particularly near and responsive during these blessed hours.
The continuation of this divine offer until daybreak shows Allah's patience and eagerness to forgive and grant, encouraging persistence in worship throughout the night. This hadith thus serves as both a profound theological insight and practical guidance for spiritual excellence.