The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "We are the last (to come) but we will be the foremost on the Day of Resurrection, nations were given the Book (i.e. Scripture) before us, and we were given the Holy Book after them. This (i.e. Friday) is the day about which they differed. So the next day (i.e. Saturday) was prescribed for the Jews and the day after it (i.e. Sunday) for the Christians. It is incumbent on every Muslim to wash his head and body on a Day (i.e. Friday) (at least) in every seven days."
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from Sahih al-Bukhari (3486, 3487) contains profound wisdom regarding the status of the Muslim Ummah and the sanctity of Friday. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) declares that although Muslims appeared last in chronological order among the divinely-revealed communities, they shall be foremost in rank and precedence on the Day of Judgment.
Theological Significance
The phrase "nations were given the Book before us" refers to previous communities like the Jews and Christians who received divine scriptures. Despite our late emergence, Allah has favored this Ummah with the final, preserved revelation - the Holy Quran.
The distinction of Friday (Jumu'ah) as our sacred day of congregation demonstrates divine wisdom in differentiating the Muslim community in its acts of worship, while maintaining the continuous chain of prophetic guidance.
Juridical Rulings
The obligation of ghusl (ritual bath) before Friday prayer emphasizes the importance of physical and spiritual purification for the weekly congregational prayer. Scholars differ whether this is obligatory (wajib) or strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah), but consensus exists regarding its high merit.
This comprehensive washing includes the entire head and body, symbolizing both outer cleanliness and inner renewal as the believer prepares to stand before Allah in collective worship.
Eschatological Dimensions
The "foremost" status on Judgment Day manifests through the Prophet's intercession (Shafa'ah), the privileged position of this Ummah as witnesses over previous nations, and the special mercy Allah grants to those who adhered to the final, complete message.
This honor is not automatic but contingent upon fulfilling our covenant with Allah through proper belief, worship, and adherence to the Sunnah.