so it falls within this category. If, however, it is unrestricted, then it is occasioned by the time itself being suited to such worship, even if none actually occurs.
A parallel is the “hour when supplications are answered” on Friday. It is reported that this is tied to the performance of the Friday prayer, extending from when the imam ascends the pulpit until the prayer ends. Accordingly, it is tied to the performance of the Friday prayer: anyone who fails to perform it without an excuse, despite believing it obligatory, has no share in that hour. As for someone who habitually attends the Friday prayer but then falls ill or travels, the deeds he used to perform while healthy and resident are recorded for him. The same applies to someone imprisoned and others in similar circumstances. They receive a reward equal to that of those who attend the Friday prayer, so their supplication is like the supplication of those who attend it.
The blessings of the mercy that descends upon the pilgrims on the afternoon of Arafah and upon those attending the Friday prayer may also extend to others who have valid excuses. They may thus receive a share in the answering of supplications and partake alongside those present, as occurs during Ramadan. This is available to those who love these worshippers and the worship in which they are engaged: their hearts thereby draw nearer to Allah, and they wish they could be with them.
As for the disbeliever or hypocrite who does not regard Hajj as an act of righteousness, nor the Friday prayer as an obligation and an act of righteousness, but turns away from loving or desiring such worship, his heart is far from Allah’s mercy. For Allah’s mercy is near to those who do good, and he is not among them.
It is also reported that this hour on Friday falls at the end of the day, in which case it is occasioned by the time itself. It is established in the Sahīh collection:
“There is an hour during the night when supplication is answered, just as there is on Friday, and this occurs every night. The closest a servant comes to his Lord is in the latter part of the night.”