Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 740

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

Abu Hurayra reported that a man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He sent word to his wives, and they said: “We have nothing but water.” The Messenger of Allah said: “Who will take him in—or host him?” A man from the Ansar said: “I will.” He went with the guest to his wife and said: “Honor the guest of the Messenger of Allah.” She replied: “We have only enough food for the children.” He said: “Prepare your food, tend to your lamp, and put the children to sleep when they ask for supper.” She prepared the food, tended to the lamp, and put the children to sleep. Then she stood as though tending the lamp and extinguished it. The two of them made the guest think that they were eating with him, while they spent the night hungry. In the morning, the man went to the Messenger of Allah, who said: “Allah laughed—or marveled—at what you two did,” and Allah revealed: “They give preference over themselves, even though they are in need. Whoever is protected from the stinginess of his own soul—it is they who are successful.”