Allah descends to the lowest heaven at half of the night or at one-third of the latter part and says: Who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to ask Me so that I grant him? And then says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant? (This hadith has been narrated by Sa'd b. Sa'id with the same chain of transmitters with this addition:" Then the Blessed and the Exalted (Lord) stretches His Hands and says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant? )
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 758 d
Hadith Text
Allah descends to the lowest heaven at half of the night or at one-third of the latter part and says: Who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to ask Me so that I grant him? And then says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant? (This hadith has been narrated by Sa'd b. Sa'id with the same chain of transmitters with this addition:" Then the Blessed and the Exalted (Lord) stretches His Hands and says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant? )
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the divine descent (nuzūl) of Allah to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, a descent befitting His majesty without resembling creation's movement. This manifestation of divine generosity occurs when darkness is deepest and hearts are most attentive.
The divine call "Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant?" refers to spending in Allah's path. The "loan" to the Rich King yields multiplied returns, as Allah Himself guarantees the repayment. The specification "neither indigent" affirms divine self-sufficiency, while "nor tyrant" assures perfect justice in recompense.
The additional narration mentioning Allah stretching His Hands symbolizes readiness to accept deeds and bestow mercy. This hadith combines encouragement for night prayer (tahajjud), supplication (du'a), and charity (sadaqah), demonstrating Allah's boundless grace toward His servants during this blessed time.