that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Your period in comparison to the periods of the previous nations, is like the period between Salat Al-'Asr until sunset. And you are in comparison to the Jews and Christians, like a man who employeed some workers and he said: 'Who will work for me until Midday for a Qirat each?' So the Jews worked for half a day for a Qirat each. Then he said: 'Who will work for me from the middle of the day until Salat Al-'Asr for a Qirat each?' So the Christians worked for a Qirat each. Then it is you who are doing the work from Salat Al-'Asr until the setting of the sun for two Qirats each. So the Jews and the Christians got angry and said: 'We did more work but were given less?' So He (Allah) says: 'Have I wronged you in any of your rights?' They said: 'No.' He says: 'Then it is my blessing that I give to whomever I wish.'"
Hadith Commentary: The Parable of Workers
This profound hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (2871) in the "Chapters on Parables" section presents a magnificent analogy comparing the duration of this Ummah's existence to the time between Asr and sunset, while contrasting our reward system with previous nations through the parable of workers.
The Temporal Comparison
The comparison of our era to the time between Asr and sunset indicates both the brevity of our worldly duration relative to previous nations and our proximity to the Final Hour. Just as the day nears its end after Asr, this Ummah represents the final phase of human history.
Scholars note that while our time is shorter, our spiritual responsibilities are greater, and the challenges more intense, mirroring how the latter part of the day requires different efforts than its beginning.
The Parable of Workers Explained
The Jews represent those who worked from dawn to midday - the longest period - receiving one Qirat. This symbolizes the extensive duration of their religious law and the numerous obligations they bore.
The Christians worked from midday to Asr - a shorter period - also receiving one Qirat, representing their moderate duration between the Jewish and Muslim eras with simplified religious obligations compared to the Jews.
The Muslims work from Asr to sunset - the shortest period - yet receive two Qirats, demonstrating Allah's immense generosity in granting greater reward for less time and effort in worldly terms.
Divine Justice and Generosity
The objection of previous nations highlights human tendency to measure by quantity rather than quality. Allah's response establishes two crucial principles: absolute divine justice in fulfilling promised rewards, and absolute divine freedom in granting additional blessings.
This teaches us that while Allah never wrongs anyone regarding their rights, He may bestow extra favor upon whomever He wills - a manifestation of His boundless mercy that transcends mere contractual obligations.
Spiritual Lessons
This parable consoles the Muslim Ummah regarding its shorter duration while encouraging gratitude for Allah's special favor. It warns against envy of others' blessings and teaches contentment with divine apportionment.
The hadith ultimately emphasizes that spiritual reward is not merely proportional to duration or apparent effort, but is ultimately determined by Allah's wisdom and mercy, encouraging us to focus on sincerity rather than comparison with others.