"We heard Abu Umamah Al-Bahili say: 'I heard 'Amrah bin 'Abasah say: I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, is there any moment which brings one close to Allah than another, or any moment that should be sought out for remembering Allah? He said: 'Yes, the closest that the Lord is to His slave is in the last part of the night, so if you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so. For prayer is attended and witnessed (by the angels) until the sun rises, then it rises between the two horns of the Shaitan, that is the time when the disbelievers pray, so do not pray until the sun had risen to the height of a spear and its rays have disappeared. Then prayer is attended and witness (by the angels) until the sun is directly overhead at midday, and that is the time when the gates of Hell are opened and it is stoked up. So do not pray until the shadows appear. Then prayer is attended and witnessed (by angels) until the sun sets, and it sets between the horns of a Shaitan, and that is the time when the disbelievers pray.'"
Narrated by Abu Yahya Sulaim bin 'Amir, Damrah bin Habib and Abu Talhah Nu'aim bin Ziyad said:
Context
This hadith discusses the moments when Allah is closest to His servant, particularly during the last part of the night. It encourages believers to engage in remembrance and prayer during this time, highlighting the significance of seeking closeness to Allah through devotion.
Modern Application
In modern life, setting aside time for prayer and reflection during the quiet hours of the night can enhance spiritual connection. Individuals can benefit from this practice by finding peace and focus away from daily distractions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the importance of specific times for prayer and remembrance, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
This hadith is #574 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of the Times (of Prayer). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Yahya Sulaim bin 'Amir, Damrah bin Habib and Abu Talhah Nu'aim bin Ziyad said:.