Allah’s descends in the Last Third of Night
📖Sahih Muslim 758a
Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “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?”
Explanation
This hadith highlights the virtue of the last third of the night as a time when prayers are accepted, sins are forgiven, and Allah’s mercy is abundant. It encourages believers to engage in dua, repentance, and seeking Allah’s blessings during this period.
Does Allah Physically Descend?
The phrase “Allah descends” does not mean that Allah moves from one place to another. Allah is beyond time, space, and direction. The hadith is an expression of His special mercy and attention during this time. The descent refers to His blessings reaching the believers and His nearness in terms of responding to prayers.
Why is the Last Third of the Night Special?
The entire day and night are under Allah’s control, and His blessings are always present. However, the last third of the night holds a special significance due to the following reasons:
1️⃣ A Time of Solitude and Sincerity
➤ During the day, people are busy with worldly activities, but at night, especially the last third, most are asleep. Those who wake up to worship do so with greater sincerity and devotion.
2️⃣ A Test of True Devotion
➤ Waking up at night requires effort and sacrifice, showing genuine faith and commitment to seeking Allah’s mercy.
3️⃣ Historical Significance
➤ Many prophets and righteous people engaged in night prayers (Tahajjud), making it a tradition of devotion.
4️⃣ A Moment of Spiritual Calmness
➤ The night is free from distractions, allowing a deeper connection with Allah without external disturbances.
📖Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
“And rise from sleep for prayer during the night; it is an additional duty for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a station of praise and glory.”
➤ This verse emphasizes the importance of night prayer (Tahajjud) as a means of attaining closeness to Allah.
📖Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17-18)
“They used to sleep but little at night, and in the pre-dawn hours they would seek forgiveness.”
➤ This describes the habit of righteous believers who seek Allah’s forgiveness in the last part of the night.
Qur’anic Context
📖Surah Ash-Shura (42:11)
“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
➤ Allah is beyond human attributes, meaning He does not physically move but remains ever-present with His knowledge and mercy.
📖Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186)
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
➤ This confirms that Allah’s nearness is spiritual, not physical, as He responds to prayers regardless of location.
📖Surah Al-An’am (6:61)
“And He is the Supreme over His servants, and He sends protectors over you.”
➤ Allah’s dominion is above all creation, and His knowledge and mercy encompass everything.
This hadith emphasizes the importance of the last third of the night as a time of divine mercy and answered prayers. The term “descent” is not a literal movement but signifies Allah’s closeness in responding to His servants’ prayers. Muslims are encouraged to maximize this time for dua, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening their connection with Allah.