Abu Talha said to Um Sulaim, "I have heard the voice of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) which was feeble, and I think that he is hungry. Have you got something (to eat)?" She took out some loaves of barley bread, then took her face-covering sheet and wrapped the bread in part of it, and pushed it under my garment and turned the rest of it around my body and sent me to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) . I went with that, and found Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in the mosque with some people. I stood up near them, and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked me, "Have you been sent by Abu Talha?" I said, "Yes." He asked, "With some food (for us)?" I said, "Yes." Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to all those who were with him, "Get up!" He set out (and all the people accompanied him) and I proceeded ahead of them till I came to Abu Talha. Abu Talha then said, "O Um Sulaim! Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) has arrived along with the people, and we do not have food enough to feed them all." She said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." So Abu Talha went out till he met Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). Then Abu Talha and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came and entered the house. Allah's Apostle said, "Um Sulaim ! Bring whatever you have." She brought that very bread. The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered that it be crushed into small pieces, and Um Sulaim pressed a skin of butter on it. Then Allah's Apostle said whatever Allah wished him to say (to bless the food) and then added, "Admit ten (men)." So they were admitted, ate their fill and went out. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, "Admit ten (more)." They were admitted, ate their full, and went out. He then again said, "Admit ten more!" They were admitted, ate their fill, and went out. He admitted ten more, and so all those people ate their fill, and they were eighty men.
Food, Meals - Sahih al-Bukhari 5381
This narration from Abu Talha demonstrates profound lessons in hospitality, faith in divine provision, and the blessings that descend upon sincere intentions. The Companions' concern for the Prophet's hunger reflects their deep love and attentiveness to his condition.
Scholarly Commentary
The barley bread, though simple, became a means of divine blessing through the Prophet's invocation. This illustrates that barakah (blessing) comes from Allah through righteous actions and sincere intentions, not from the quantity of provisions.
Umm Sulaim's response "Allah and His Apostle know better" exemplifies perfect tawakkul (reliance on Allah) when facing apparent insufficiency. Her faith was rewarded with a miraculous multiplication of food that fed eighty men.
The Prophet's method of feeding people in groups of ten teaches us organization in hospitality and maintaining dignity in distribution. This systematic approach reflects Islamic principles of order and efficiency in communal affairs.
Spiritual Lessons
This hadith confirms that miracles occur through the righteous to demonstrate Allah's power and support for His messengers. The multiplication of food echoes similar miracles granted to previous prophets.
The incident emphasizes that true hospitality lies in sharing what one has, however little, with trust in Allah's blessing. The Companions' example inspires Muslims to prioritize feeding others, especially the righteous and knowledgeable.