What time is the last third of the night in Islam and why does it hold great spiritual value. Many believers seek this time for worship and supplication.
Why Is the Last Third of the Night Important?
This part of the night is immensely blessed. According to authentic hadith, Allah descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night. This “descent” is understood in a way that befits His majesty, not like human movement, and signifies His closeness, mercy, and special attention to those who call upon Him. As a result, sincere prayers and heartfelt supplications are especially likely to be accepted at this time.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) said, “Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”
Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 19, Hadith 26)
How to Calculate the Last Third of the Night
To know what time this starts, you must divide the night into three equal parts.
First, determine the time between Maghrib and Fajr. Then divide that time by three. The final third is the last portion before Fajr.
Let’s break it down with an example.
Suppose:
Maghrib is at 7:00 PM
Fajr is at 5:00 AM
This gives a 10-hour night. One-third of that is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
So, the last third begins around 1:40 AM and ends at 5:00 AM.
Although times change daily, the calculation method remains the same.
Is It the Same in Every Location?
No, it varies depending on your local prayer times. However, the calculation method works worldwide. You can use Islamic apps or prayer websites to find your local Maghrib and Fajr times. Then apply the same formula.
For accuracy, check reliable sources or ask your local imam.
What Can You Do During the Last Third?
This time is ideal for Tahajjud prayer, personal dua, and seeking forgiveness. Since few people are awake, your worship feels more intimate. The Prophet (ﷺ) regularly prayed at night. Therefore, many scholars consider it a time of divine mercy and closeness. If you’re unable to pray every night, try to catch this time occasionally. Even once a week brings spiritual benefit.
You’re encouraged to:
- Pray Tahajjud (extra voluntary night prayers)
- Recite Quran
- Make dua
- Seek forgiveness
As a result, many Muslims find peace and strength during these hours.
Indeed, the righteous will be amid Gardens and springs,
˹joyfully˺ receiving what their Lord will grant them. Before this ˹reward˺ they were truly good-doers ˹in the world˺:
they used to sleep only little in the night,
and pray for forgiveness before dawn.
Quran 51:15-18
This shows the habit of the righteous — they connected with Allah late at night.
Conclusion
So to sum up the the answer to the question:what time is the last third of the night in islam.
The last third of the night is a sacred window in Islam. Use it to connect with Allah deeply and sincerely.
To calculate it, note your Maghrib and Fajr times. Divide the night into three parts and focus on the last portion before Fajr.
Always remember, this is a time of mercy. Allah invites you to turn to Him. So, make the most of it, even if occasionally.
