Explanation of the Hadith: “Indeed, in every night there is an hour in which supplication is answered”

Question:
I read in a posted bulletin a hadith attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and cited from Sahih Muslim: “Indeed, in every night there is an hour in which supplication is answered.” It did not mention that it is specific to the last part of the night. Is this hadith authentic?

Answer:
Yes, this hadith is authentic. Muslim narrated it from Jabir from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who said: He did not specify it. Rather, if one happens to encounter it, his supplication will be answered, so it is an hour in which supplication is answered. It is hidden in the night, just as Allah has hidden the hour of Friday in the day of Friday. However, its most likely time is after the 'Asr prayer, and when the imam sits for the khutbah on Friday. And its most likely time in the night is in the middle of the night, as came in some narrations, and the last third of the night. Its most likely time is in these two times, but it is general for the entire night.