What is the correct explanation of the hadith in al-Bukhari, number (7467), how does the hadith fit with the lifespan of the Ummah of Muhammad compared with previous nations, and does it indicate that the Ummah's lifespan is no more than 1500 years?
The indicates that the duration of the existence of the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) compared to past nations is like the time from the Asr prayer until sunset. Whereas the Torah was given, and they worked until midday, and the Injil (Gospel) was given, and they worked until the Asr prayer. The people of the Quran were given the reward of two Qirat, while others were given one Qirat, which made the people of the two Books wonder why, despite their abundant work. Allah answered them that this is His favor, which He bestows upon whom He wills. Scholars have presented several answers to resolve the issue that arises from the apparent meaning of the Hadith, namely that the duration of the Christians' work is longer than that of the Muslims, and that the age of the Islamic Ummah has surpassed the age of the Christians:
1. Some have held that the time for Asr begins when the shadow of everything becomes twice its length, which would make the duration of the Christians' and Muslims' work equal. 2. Others have held that the meaning of their statement: (And we were more in work) is that the total work of the Jews and Christians combined is more, not the work of the Christians alone. Or that this statement belongs only to the Jews. 3. The duration between Dhuhr and Asr might be longer than that between Asr and Maghrib, which resolves the issue. 4. Representation does not necessitate equality in every aspect. 5. Abundance of work may not imply a long duration; rather, work done in a short time might be more difficult.
It was mentioned that Allah increased the duration of this Ummah, so there is no issue with this Ummah's existence being longer. However, it is not correct to estimate the age of this Ummah or the age of the world from this Hadith, as that is from the unseen, known only to Allah, and what is mentioned regarding it are mere conjectures that do not yield certain knowledge. Nevertheless, the Hadith indicates that the age of this Ummah exceeds one thousand years, and this is observable.
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