Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Your period (i.e. the Muslims' period) in comparison to the periods of the
previous nations, is like the period between the `Asr prayer and sunset. And your example in
comparison to the Jews and the Christians is like the example of a person who employed some
laborers and asked them, 'Who will work for me till midday for one Qirat each?' The Jews worked for
half a day for one Qirat each. The person asked, 'Who will do the work for me from midday to the
time of the `Asr (prayer) for one Qirat each?' The Christians worked from midday till the `Asr prayer
for one Qirat. Then the person asked, 'Who will do the work for me from the `Asr till sunset for two
Qirats each?' " The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "It is you (i.e. Muslims) who are doing the work from the `Asr till
sunset, so you will have a double reward. The Jews and the Christians got angry and said, 'We have
done more work but got less wages.' Allah said, 'Have I been unjust to you as regards your rights?'
They said, 'No.' So Allah said, 'Then it is My Blessing which I bestow on whomever I like. "
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) compares the lifespan of the Muslim community to that of previous nations, emphasizing the unique position of Muslims. He illustrates this with a parable about laborers, highlighting the greater reward for those who work later in the day, symbolizing the blessings bestowed upon Muslims.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages Muslims to recognize their unique role and responsibilities in the world. It serves as motivation to strive for excellence in their actions, knowing that their efforts are valued and rewarded.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Justice and Reward of Deeds because it reflects the concept of fairness in divine rewards and the importance of intention and effort in one's actions.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.
Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them. It will be - on the Day they see that which they are promised - as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient people?
It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
Have you not seen those who were told, "Restrain your hands [from fighting] and establish prayer and give zakah"? But then when fighting was ordained for them, at once a party of them feared men as they fear Allah or with [even] greater fear. They said, "Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed [it for] us for a short time." Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah. And injustice will not be done to you, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed]."