Tafsir of An-Nahl 16:124

An-Nahl (The Bee): 124

{Indeed, the Sabbath was only ordained for those who differed concerning it...}

Know that when the Almighty commanded the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to follow the path of Abraham (peace be upon him), and since Muhammad (PBUH) chose Friday, this following is only achieved if we hold that Abraham (PBUH) had chosen Friday in his law. At this point, a questioner might ask: Why, then, did the Jews choose Saturday?

Allah the Almighty answers this with His saying: {Indeed, the Sabbath was only ordained for those who differed concerning it} (An-Nahl: 124).

There are two interpretations (Qawl) regarding this verse:

The First Interpretation:

It is narrated by Al-Kalbi from Abu Salih from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that he said: Moses commanded them to observe Friday. He told them: "Dedicate one day every seven days solely to Allah, and that is Friday; do not perform any of your worldly work on it." They refused to accept this and said: "We only want the day upon which the creation was completed, which is Saturday." So, Allah ordained Saturday for them and imposed strictness upon them regarding it.

Then, Jesus (peace be upon him) also came to them with Friday. The Christians said: "We do not want their festival to be after ours," and they adopted Sunday.

Abu Hurayrah narrated from the Prophet (PBUH) that he said: "Indeed, Allah decreed Friday for those before us, but they differed concerning it, and Allah guided us to it. The people are followers of us in this: the Jews tomorrow (Saturday), and the Christians the day after tomorrow (Sunday)."

Given this, we say: His statement, {for those who differed concerning it}, means they differed with their Prophet Moses when he commanded them with Friday, yet they chose Saturday. Their difference concerning Saturday was their disagreement with their Prophet regarding that day, meaning because of him. It does not mean that the Jews themselves differed among themselves—some saying Saturday, and some not—because the Jews were unanimous on this matter. Thus, interpreting the verse as such is not possible; rather, the correct interpretation is what we have presented.

If someone asks: Is there an intellectual basis to prefer Friday over Saturday? This is because the followers of the religions agree that Allah created the universe in six days. Allah began creation and completion on Sunday and finished on Friday. Thus, Saturday became the day of rest/completion. The Jews said: "We agree with our Lord in ceasing work, so we designate Saturday for this meaning." The Christians said: "The beginning of creation and formation was on Sunday, so we will make this day our festival." Both these rationales are understandable. So, what is the rationale for making Friday our festival?

We reply: Friday is the day of perfection and completion. Achieving perfection and completeness necessitates complete joy and great delight. Therefore, making Friday the day of the festival is more appropriate from this perspective. And Allah knows best.

The Second Interpretation:

Regarding their difference concerning Saturday, it means that they sometimes permitted hunting on it and sometimes forbade it. The obligation upon them was to agree on one ruling regarding its prohibition.

{And indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning what they used to differ in.}

This means that the Almighty will judge on the Day of Resurrection, granting reward to the truthful and punishment to the falsehood-holders.

{Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and debate with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of the guided.} (An-Nahl: 125)