I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) saying, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the Holy Scriptures before us. And this was their day (Friday) the celebration of which was made compulsory for them but they differed about it. So Allah gave us the guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect: the Jews' (holy day is) tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) and the Christians' (is) the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday)."
Hadith Commentary: The Virtue of Friday
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (876) establishes the superiority of the Muslim Ummah in temporal sequence and spiritual rank. Though we are the final nation in chronological appearance, Allah has granted us precedence in guidance and reward on the Day of Judgment.
Divine Selection of Friday
The specification of Friday (Jumu'ah) as our sacred day represents Allah's special favor. Previous nations received scriptures before us and were commanded to honor Friday, yet they disputed about it. Their disagreement manifested as the Jews choosing Saturday and Christians selecting Sunday, thereby deviating from divine instruction.
Spiritual Precedence Despite Temporal Sequence
Being "the last" refers to our historical emergence after previous communities, while "the foremost" indicates our elevated status in Allah's sight due to perfect adherence to pure monotheism. This demonstrates that true honor comes not from chronological priority but from obedience to divine guidance.
The Friday Prayer Obligation
This hadith underscores the compulsory nature of Jumu'ah prayers. Just as previous nations were obligated to honor their designated day, Muslims must uphold Friday prayers as a collective religious duty, recognizing it as a distinctive blessing from Allah to our Ummah.
Lessons in Gratitude and Responsibility
This narration teaches us to appreciate Allah's guidance in preserving our rituals from alteration. It reminds us that with honor comes responsibility - to maintain the sanctity of Friday through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and righteous deeds, thereby proving worthy of this divine preference.