A Jew said to `Umar, "O Chief of the Believers, if this verse: 'This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favors upon you, and have chosen for you, Islam as your religion.' (5.3) had been revealed upon us, we would have taken that day as an `Id (festival) day." `Umar said, "I know definitely on what day this Verse was revealed; it was revealed on the day of `Arafat, on a Friday."
Context and Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7268 demonstrates the profound wisdom of the Companions and the completion of divine favor upon the Muslim ummah. The verse mentioned (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3) represents the finalization of Islamic legislation during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
Divine Completion
The perfection of religion mentioned in the verse signifies that Allah completed the shari'ah through His final Messenger. No new legislation would follow this revelation, making it the comprehensive and eternal guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgment.
The completion of divine favor refers to both the religious completeness and the worldly protection Allah granted to the believers, establishing Islam as the complete way of life.
Umar's Certain Knowledge
Umar ibn al-Khattab's precise knowledge of when this verse was revealed demonstrates the Companions' meticulous preservation of revelation details. His certainty about it being revealed on Friday during Arafat emphasizes the significance of these blessed occasions in Islamic history.
Wisdom in Not Establishing Eid
The Muslims did not take this day as an additional Eid despite its immense significance because the Prophet only prescribed two Eids. This teaches us the importance of adhering strictly to the Sunnah and not introducing innovations, even for apparently good reasons.
Jewish Recognition of Truth
The Jew's acknowledgment shows how even people of other faiths recognized the significance of this verse, serving as external testimony to the truth of Islam and the finality of Prophet Muhammad's message.