A story of the Best of Days

A story from the life of the second Caliph Omar, illustrates the significance of Friday.   A learned person from among the Jews said to Omar Ibn Al Khattab “In the Quran you people read a certain verse; if that verse had been revealed to us, we would have celebrated that day annually.” Omar asked, “Which verse is that?”  The man replied, “This day, I have perfected your religion for you’.  Omar then said, “Verily I remember the day and the place where this verse was revealed.   It was already a double celebration for us.  Firstly it was Friday-a day of Eid (celebration) for all Muslims and secondly, it was the day of Arafat – the most important day of the Hajj.” Omar further stated that this verse was revealed after Asr (afternoon prayer) while Prophet Muhammad was sitting on his camel.