Commander of the Faithful, there is a verse in your Book, which you recite. Had it been revealed in connection with the Jews, we would have taken it as the day of rejoicing. Thereupon he said: Which verse do you mean? He replied:" This day I have perfected your religion for you and I have completed My favours upon you and I have chosen al-Islam as religion for you." Umar said, I know the day when it was revealed and the place where it was revealed. It was revealed to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) at 'Arafat on Friday.
The Book of Commentary on the Qur'an
Author: Sahih Muslim
Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 3017 c
Commentary on Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3
This narration from Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) concerns the momentous revelation of the verse: "This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." The significance lies in its timing during the Farewell Pilgrimage at Arafat on Friday, marking the completion of Allah's guidance.
The perfection mentioned refers to the completion of Islamic legislation and divine commandments. The completion of favor signifies the totality of Allah's blessings upon the Muslim ummah. This verse represents the culmination of prophethood and the finality of Islamic revelation, making it a foundational proof for the completeness of Islam.
Umar's precise knowledge of the circumstances demonstrates the Companions' meticulous preservation of revelation contexts. The Jewish comparison highlights how other communities would celebrate such divine completion, yet Muslims recognize every verse as blessing.