A tumbler (full of milk or water) was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) who drank from it, while on his right side there was sitting a boy who was the youngest of those who were present and on his left side there were old men. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked, "O boy, will you allow me to give it (i.e. the rest of the drink) to the old men?" The boy said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I will not give preference to anyone over me to drink the rest of it from which you have drunk." So, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave it to him.
Distribution of Water - Sahih al-Bukhari 2351
A tumbler (full of milk or water) was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) who drank from it, while on his right side there was sitting a boy who was the youngest of those who were present and on his left side there were old men. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked, "O boy, will you allow me to give it (i.e. the rest of the drink) to the old men?" The boy said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I will not give preference to anyone over me to drink the rest of it from which you have drunk." So, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave it to him.
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the profound wisdom and refined manners of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in teaching his companions through practical example. The Prophet, despite his elevated status, consulted the young boy about the distribution of the remaining drink, teaching us the importance of respecting others' rights and feelings regardless of their age or status.
The boy's response, while seemingly bold, was accepted by the Prophet because it was based on a legitimate right - the right of proximity and the blessing of drinking from the same vessel as the Prophet. This teaches us that rights in Islam are sacred and should be respected, even when they appear to conflict with conventional etiquette toward elders.
Scholars note that this incident establishes several important principles: the permissibility of drinking from the same vessel after others, the importance of honoring the rights of those on one's right side, and the validity of a child's claim when it is based on legitimate right. The Prophet's action here demonstrates that Islamic etiquette balances between respecting elders and upholding established rights.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith illustrates that the right of the person sitting to one's right takes precedence in distribution, even if they are younger. This principle extends to various situations where resources are being distributed among a group.
The Prophet's consultation with the boy teaches us the importance of seeking permission and consent, even from those who might be considered junior or subordinate. This reflects Islam's emphasis on human dignity and personal autonomy.
Furthermore, the incident shows that blessings (barakah) are sought through connection with righteous people and their remnants, which explains the boy's desire to drink from the same vessel as the Prophet.