Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Your stay (in this world) in comparison to the stay of the nations preceding you,
is like the period between `Asr prayer and the sun set (in comparison to a whole day). The people of
the Torah were given the Torah and they acted on it till midday and then they were unable to carry on.
And they were given (a reward equal to) one Qirat each. Then the people of the Gospel were given the
Gospel and they acted on it till `Asr Prayer and then they were unable to carry on, so they were given
la reward equal to) one Qirat each. Then you were given the Qur'an and you acted on it till sunset,
therefore you were given (a reward equal to) two Qirats each. On that, the people of the Scriptures
said, 'These people (Muslims) did less work than we but they took a bigger reward.' Allah said (to
them). 'Have I done any oppression to you as regards your rights?' They said, "No." Then Allah said,
'That is My Blessing which I grant to whomsoever I will.' "
Narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Context
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) compared the duration of the Muslim community's existence to a brief period between the `Asr prayer and sunset, illustrating the fleeting nature of life. He highlighted the varying rewards given to previous nations based on their efforts and the unique blessing bestowed upon Muslims for their adherence to the Qur'an.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals to value their time and make the most of their efforts in worship and good deeds. It serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual growth and community service, recognizing the unique opportunity Muslims have to earn greater rewards.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Quran and Reward of Deeds because it emphasizes the significance of the Qur'an and the rewards associated with the efforts of the Muslim community.
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?
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]."
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.
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, 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.
This hadith is #7247 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Ibn `Umar:.