If, however, what is meant is the night ending at sunrise, the duration of the descent would be shorter than that: approximately an eighth or a ninth of the time. According to the versions mentioning a half and a third, it would be approximately a sixth or a quarter of the time, or more.

As already explained, the third of the night in an eastern land occurs before the third of the night in a western land. The inhabited world extends over twelve hours of longitude, or 180 degrees. If each hour’s span—which is fifteen degrees of the inhabited world—were assumed to have a third distinct from the third belonging to the next hour’s span, the inhabited world would comprise thirty-six thirds. The descent continues during each third for one sixth of the time. It would therefore follow that the descent continues night and day—that its duration amounts to six full cycles of night and day—if each hour’s span of the inhabited world were assumed to have its own third. What, then, of the divine descent to the lowest heaven to call His servants dwelling on earth?

For the people of each land, His descent and His call to them:

“Is there anyone asking? Is there anyone supplicating? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness?”

continue for one sixth of the time, and there are many lands between east and west.

Islam, all praise belongs to Allah, has spread from east to west, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in the authentic hadith:

“The earth was drawn together for me—its eastern and western reaches—and the dominion of my community will extend as far as what was drawn together for me.”

We have mentioned this only because it may be said: This “descent and call” is only for His believing servants who worship Him, ask of Him, and seek His forgiveness, just as “the descent on the afternoon of