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.' "
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7533
Hadith Commentary
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari illustrates Allah's absolute sovereignty in granting His bounty. The comparison of time periods symbolizes the relative duration each religious community was given to follow divine guidance. The people of Torah received their scripture early but faltered by midday, while Christians followed their Gospel until late afternoon. Muslims, coming last in chronological order, are blessed to follow the Qur'an until the end of time.
The two Qirats reward for Muslims demonstrates Allah's infinite grace (fadl). The objection raised by previous nations highlights human nature's tendency to compare and question divine distribution of rewards. Allah's response establishes the fundamental principle that He is never unjust - He gives exactly what is due, then bestows additional blessings as He wills. This exemplifies Tawheed in practice: recognizing Allah's absolute right to distribute His mercy as He chooses, without anyone having claim to His infinite bounty.
Scholars note this hadith teaches contentment with Allah's decree and warns against envy. The greater reward for Muslims isn't due to superior merit alone, but reflects Allah's final complete revelation and the challenge of maintaining faith until the Day of Judgment. This divine privilege comes with increased responsibility to uphold Islamic teachings despite being the final nation.