Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Your example and the example of Jews and Christians is like the example of a man who employed some laborers to whom he said, 'Who will work for me up to midday for one Qirat each?' The Jews carried out the work for one Qirat each; and then the Christians carried out the work up to the `Asr prayer for one Qirat each; and now you Muslims are working from the `Asr prayer up to sunset for two Qirats each. The Jews and Christians got angry and said, 'We work more and are paid less.' The employer (Allah) asked them, 'Have I usurped some of your right?' They replied in the negative. He said, 'That is My Blessing, I bestow upon whomever I wish.' "
The Parable of Laborers
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (2269) employs a masterful parable to illustrate the divine wisdom in allocating rewards. The employer represents Allah Almighty, while the laborers symbolize different religious communities throughout history.
Historical Context of Religious Communities
The Jews represent those who followed the early prophets and worked during the first part of the day - the period of earlier divine revelations.
The Christians signify those who came after, working until mid-afternoon - the era of Prophet Jesus and his followers.
The Muslims represent the final community, working the shortest duration but receiving double reward - the era of Prophet Muhammad's message.
Divine Justice and Generosity
Allah's question "Have I usurped some of your right?" affirms His perfect justice. No community was denied their agreed reward.
The response "That is My Blessing, I bestow upon whomever I wish" demonstrates Allah's absolute sovereignty in granting extra favor beyond what is obligatory.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that while earlier communities had longer periods of religious obligation, the Muslim ummah's shorter duration of obligation is compensated by greater divine generosity.
The double qirat for Muslims signifies the special mercy and completeness of Islam, despite its later appearance in human history.
This parable teaches contentment with divine decree and warns against envy of others' blessings, as Allah distributes His favors according to His perfect wisdom.