We went out with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) on one of his journeys till we reached Al-Baida or Dhatul-Jaish where my necklace got broken (and lost). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stopped to search for it and the people too stopped with him. There was no water at that place and they had no water with them. So they went to Abu Bakr and said, "Don't you see what `Aisha has done? She has made Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and the people stop where there is no water and they have no water with them. Abu Bakr came while Allah's Apostle was sleeping with his head on my thigh and said, "You detained Allah Apostle and the people where there is no water and they have no water." He then admonished me and said what Allah wished and pinched me at my flanks with his hands, but I did not move because the head of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was on my thigh . Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) kept on sleeping till be got up in the morning and found no water. Then Allah revealed the Divine Verse of Tayammum, and the people performed Tayammum. Usaid bin AlHudair said. "O family of Abu Bakr! This is not the first blessings of yours." We urged the camel on which I was sitting to get up from its place and the necklace was found under it.
Companions of the Prophet
Sahih al-Bukhari 3672
Narrative Context
This blessed narration from the Mother of the Believers, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), recounts a journey with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) where her necklace was lost, causing the entire caravan to halt in a waterless place called Al-Baida or Dhatul-Jaish.
Divine Wisdom in Apparent Hardship
Scholars explain that what appeared as an inconvenience—the loss of a necklace—was actually divine providence to manifest Allah's mercy. The Prophet's concern for 'Aisha's distress demonstrates his compassionate nature, while the subsequent water shortage became the occasion for revealing the concession of tayammum (dry ablution).
Legal Significance of Tayammum
This incident established the Islamic legal principle that when water is unavailable or its use would cause harm, pure earth may substitute for ritual purification. The revelation came directly in response to this situation, showing how Islamic law accommodates practical difficulties while maintaining spiritual purity.
Companions' Conduct
Abu Bakr's initial reaction shows the companions' concern for the Prophet's comfort and the people's welfare. Usaid bin Al-Hudair's concluding remark acknowledges the special status of Abu Bakr's household, recognizing how Allah often brings blessings through them—a theme repeated in Islamic history.
Spiritual Lessons
Classical commentators highlight several lessons: Allah's mercy often comes through apparent difficulties; the Prophet's kindness to his family; the importance of patience in adversity; and how divine legislation responds to human needs. The necklace's recovery under the camel demonstrates Allah's perfect planning.