Anas b. Malik narrates: During the feast on the occasion of the Prophet’s (PBUH) marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, my mother, Umm Sulaym said to me: “O Anas! The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is going to marry today. I think they do not have any food. Bring that oil here!” I brought it. My mum prepared a dish called hays by mixinging pure Madinah dates only enough for the apostle of Allah and his wife with oil in an earthenware pot. “O Anas! Take this dish to the Apostle of Allah and say to Him: ‘My mum has sent this to you. She is sending her kindest regards to you. Say to the apostle of Allah that this is a small and insufficient gift from us for you”. I took it to the apostle of Allah and said: “My mum is sending her kindest regards to you. This is a small and insufficient gift from us for you” He said to me: “Put it there!” I put it on the empty place between Him and the wall. He also said: “Go and invite Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali!”. He also told to me to invite many people among from His companions. I was amazed by his inviting many people for such little food. However, I found it inappropriate not to obey his order and invited them all. He said to me: “Invite anyone who is present at the mosque!” I did so. I went to the mosque and said to all of the people who were there either praying or sleeping: “Go to the wedding dinner of the apostle of Allah!” They came. Finally, everyone filled the prophet’s room and anteroom. He asked me: “Is there anyone left in the mosque?” I answered him “No!” He asked me again: “Look! Invite whomever you encounter on your way!” I invited. He asked: “Is there anyone who was left behind?” I answered, “No, O the apostle of Allah.” The rooms and the table were filled. He said to me: “Bring the dish here!” I brought the dish and put it in front of Him. The Prophet said: “Make circles of ten.” He placed his blessed hand on that little amount of food, uttered supplications, and told them to help themselves. All of them ate and were fully satisfied. Afterwards, the Prophet said to me : “Remove the food!” I removed it. However I could not tell if there was more food when I put it down on the table or when I removed it. I brought the dish at the side of the prophet’s (PUBH) wife. Then, I went to my mum and told her what had happened in astonishment. She said, “Do not be amazed! If the apostle of Allah had wanted all Medina folk to come and eat from that food, all would have eaten and been fully satisfied.” It was informed that the number of the people who went there and ate from the food was about three hundred. Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqatu’l-Kubra, c. 8, s. 104. Muslim, Sahih, c.2, s. 1051. Ibn Sad, Tabaqat, Vol. 8, p. 105.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:47:31 +0000