A Small Amount of Food Was Enough

A small amount of food was enough

Syed Imran Akhtar Attari Madani

The miracles of the final Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم were not only a means bringing people towards Islam and strengthening their faith; they were also a source of relief for them in extremely difficult circumstances.  Sayyidunā Ayās b. Salamah رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ narrates from his father:

We accompanied the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم to a battle. We faced hardship there, to the extent we intended to sacrifice some of our animals. Yet, the Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم instructed us to gather all our travel provisions. A leather dining mat was laid down, upon which everyone’s provisions were placed.

I moved forward to inspect the leather, and I estimated it to be the size of a goat’s sitting place, despite there being 1400 of us in the army. We all ate until we were satiated and then filled our food containers.

The Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم then asked, “Is there any water for wudu?” A person brought forward a small amount of water in a jug. The Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم placed it in a bowl and we all made wudu with it thoroughly.[1]

سُـبْحٰـنَ الـلّٰــه This was a miracle of our beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. A small amount of food sufficed for 1400 individuals. Normally, if enough food was placed on the floor to cover the space taken by a goat when it sits down, it would probably be enough for 10 or 15 people, or 25 to 30 at most. For such a small amount of food to fill the stomachs of 1400 individuals, and a small pot of water to be enough for all of them to perform wudu with; this was only possible through a miracle of our beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

We learn several points from this incident:

* Under normal circumstances and particularly in challenging times, one should use the power of unity and not separate into different groups.

* It is best not to adopt a temporary solution to problems, which will only delay the issue for a period instead of resolving it.

* In difficult situations one must protect their important possessions, such as riding animals etc. One should not do away with them unless there is dire need.

* If you have a good idea or plan in a certain situation, you should display sympathy towards others by mentioning it to them.

* Accepting the suggestion of someone else could save you from difficulty.

* In sensitive times, you must remain in control of your senses and maintain ability to make the correct decision in a timely manner, as per circumstances.

* Considering the far-reaching consequences of actions is necessary to recognise right from wrong.