Once while I was in a state of fatigue (because of severe hunger), I met 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, so I asked him to recite a verse from Allah's Book to me. He entered his house and interpreted it to me. (Then I went out and) after walking for a short distance, I fell on my face because of fatigue and severe hunger. Suddenly I saw Allah's Apostle standing by my head. He said, "O Abu Huraira!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and Sadaik!" Then he held me by the hand, and made me get up. Then he came to know what I was suffering from. He took me to his house, and ordered a big bowl of milk for me. I drank thereof and he said, "Drink more, O Abu Hirr!" So I drank again, whereupon he again said, "Drink more." So I drank more till my belly became full and looked like a bowl. Afterwards I met 'Umar and mentioned to him what had happened to me, and said to him, "Somebody, who had more right than you, O 'Umar, took over the case. By Allah, I asked you to recite a Verse to me while I knew it better than you." On that Umar said to me, "By Allah, if I admitted and entertained you, it would have been dearer to me than having nice red camels.
Food, Meals - Sahih al-Bukhari 5375
This narration from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) contains profound lessons regarding the virtues of patience in hunger, the excellence of the Prophet's ﷺ compassion, and the proper etiquette between students of knowledge.
The Excellence of Patience in Hardship
Abu Huraira's severe hunger demonstrates the state of many Companions who prioritized seeking knowledge over worldly sustenance. His fatigue from hunger did not prevent him from seeking understanding of Allah's Book, showing that spiritual nourishment can temporarily sustain one through physical deprivation.
The Prophet's ﷺ immediate recognition of Abu Huraira's condition illustrates his profound insight and concern for his companions. A true scholar recognizes that physical needs must sometimes be addressed before spiritual instruction can be properly received.
The Prophet's Compassion and Generosity
The Prophet's ﷺ personal attention - lifting him up, taking him home, and repeatedly encouraging him to drink more milk - demonstrates the perfect character of the Messenger ﷺ. His repeated encouragement to "Drink more, O Abu Hirr!" shows his desire for complete satisfaction of the hungry.
The milk symbolizes pure, blessed nourishment. That it filled Abu Huraira's stomach until it "looked like a bowl" indicates both the completeness of the satisfaction and the barakah (blessing) in what the Prophet ﷺ provided.
Lessons in Knowledge and Humility
Abu Huraira's later remark to Umar, while seemingly bold, teaches that knowledge should be shared readily. Umar's humble response - valuing the opportunity to have served a seeker of knowledge over possessing red camels (the most prized wealth) - shows the proper esteem for knowledge and its students.
This incident reminds scholars that those who seek understanding deserve our immediate attention and assistance, for facilitating knowledge is among the highest forms of worship.