A Jew said to `Umar: "If this Verse had been revealed to us, we would have taken it as a festival (Eid): 'This day, I have perfected your religion for you.'" Umar said: "I know the day when it was revealed and the night on which it was revealed: a Friday night when we were with Messenger of Allah in Arafat."
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3002
This narration from the companion 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) concerns the revelation of the momentous verse: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion" (Quran 5:3).
Context and Significance
The verse was revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage on the Day of 'Arafah, which fell on a Friday. This timing carries profound meaning, as 'Arafah represents the pinnacle of Hajj rituals and Friday is the master of days in Islam.
The perfection of religion mentioned here signifies the completion of Islamic legislation. No new rulings would be revealed after this, making the Shari'ah complete and comprehensive for all times.
Scholarly Commentary
The Jew's acknowledgment highlights how even non-Muslims recognized the significance of this revelation. 'Umar's precise knowledge of the revelation's timing demonstrates the Companions' meticulous preservation of Prophetic traditions.
This incident occurred during the Farewell Pilgrimage, which was the only Hajj performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the migration to Medina, making it particularly significant in Islamic history.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The perfection of religion means Muslims must adhere strictly to the completed Shari'ah without addition or subtraction. This verse marks the closure of divine legislation.
The combination of Friday, 'Arafah, and this revelation creates a unique spiritual convergence, emphasizing the completeness of Allah's favor upon the Muslim ummah.