“O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), what are the things which are not permissible to withhold?” He said: “Water, salt and fire.” She said: “I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we know what water is, but what about salt and fire?” He said: “O Humaira', whoever gives fire (to another), it is as if he has given in charity all the food that is cooked on that fire. And whoever gives salt, it is as if he has given in charity all that the salt makes good. And whoever gives a Muslim water to drink when water is available, it is as if he freed a slave; and whoever gives a Muslim water to drink when there is no water available, it is as if he brought him back to life.”
Narrated by It was narrated that 'Aishah said:
Context
In this narration, Aisha inquires about things that must not be withheld, to which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) responds by highlighting water, salt, and fire as essential resources. He elaborates on the significance of sharing these basic necessities, equating the act of giving them to acts of charity that yield great rewards.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity in our daily lives. By sharing basic resources like water and food with those in need, we not only fulfill a moral obligation but also strengthen community bonds.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Hospitality in Islam because it emphasizes the importance of sharing essential resources and the rewards associated with such acts of kindness.
And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, "Pour upon us some water or from whatever Allah has provided you." They will say, "Indeed, Allah has forbidden them both to the disbelievers."
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.
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.
Have you made the providing of water for the pilgrim and the maintenance of al-Masjid al-Haram equal to [the deeds of] one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives in the cause of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
This hadith is #2208 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of The Chapters on Pawning. It is graded Hasan and narrated by It was narrated that 'Aishah said:.