`Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr said, "The Suffa Companions were poor people and the Prophet (ﷺ) said,
'Whoever has food for two persons should take a third one from them (Suffa companions). And
whosoever has food for four persons he should take one or two from them' Abu Bakr took three men
and the Prophet (ﷺ) took ten of them."
`Abdur Rahman added, my father my mother and I were there (in the house). (The sub-narrator is in
doubt whether `Abdur Rahman also said, 'My wife and our servant who was common for both my
house and Abu Bakr's house). Abu Bakr took his supper with the Prophet (ﷺ) and remained there till the
`Isha' prayer was offered. Abu Bakr went back and stayed with the Prophet (ﷺ) till the Prophet (ﷺ) took his
meal and then Abu Bakr returned to his house after a long portion of the night had passed. Abu Bakr's
wife said, 'What detained you from your guests (or guest)?' He said, 'Have you not served them yet?'
She said, 'They refused to eat until you come. The food was served for them but they refused." `Abdur
Rahman added, "I went away and hid myself (being afraid of Abu Bakr) and in the meantime he (Abu
Bakr) called me, 'O Ghunthar (a harsh word)!' and also called me bad names and abused me and then
said (to his family), 'Eat. No welcome for you.' Then (the supper was served). Abu Bakr took an oath
that he would not eat that food. The narrator added: By Allah, whenever any one of us (myself and the
guests of Suffa companions) took anything from the food, it increased from underneath. We all ate to
our fill and the food was more than it was before its serving.
Abu Bakr looked at it (the food) and found it as it was before serving or even more than that. He
addressed his wife (saying) 'O the sister of Bani Firas! What is this?' She said, 'O the pleasure of my
eyes! The food is now three times more than it was before.' Abu Bakr ate from it, and said, 'That
(oath) was from Satan' meaning his oath (not to eat). Then he again took a morsel (mouthful) from it
and then took the rest of it to the Prophet. So that meal was with the Prophet. There was a treaty
between us and some people, and when the period of that treaty had elapsed the Prophet (ﷺ) divided us
into twelve (groups) (the Prophet's companions) each being headed by a man. Allah knows how many
men were under the command of each (leader). So all of them (12 groups of men) ate of that meal."
Narrated by Narrated Abu `Uthman:
Context
In this hadith, Abu `Uthman narrates how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged sharing food with others, especially those in need. He emphasized that those who have enough food should invite others to join them, fostering a sense of community and generosity. This reflects the Prophet's (ﷺ) commitment to hospitality and caring for the less fortunate.
Modern Application
This hadith inspires us to be generous and inclusive when sharing meals. It encourages us to invite others to join us, especially those who may be less fortunate, fostering community bonds and compassion.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Hospitality in Islam because it highlights the importance of sharing resources and caring for those in need.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
He said, "You will not receive food that is provided to you except that I will inform you of its interpretation before it comes to you. That is from what my Lord has taught me. Indeed, I have left the religion of a people who do not believe in Allah, and they, in the Hereafter, are disbelievers.
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.