I felt some feebleness in the voice of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and perceived that it was due to hunger; so have you anything with you? She said: Yes. She brought out barley loaves, then took out a head-covering of hers, in a part of which she wrapped those loaves and then put them beneath my mantle and covered me with a part of it. She then sent me to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). I set forth and found Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sitting in the mosque in the company of some persons. I stood near them, whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Has Abu Talha sent you? I said, Yes. He said: Is it for a feast? I said. Yes. Thereupon Allah's messenger (ﷺ) said to'those who were with him to get up He went forth and so I did before them, until I came to Abu Talha and informed him. Abu Talba said: Umm Sulaim, here comes Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) along with people and we do not have enough (food) to feed them. She said: Allah and His Messenger know best. Abu Talha went out (to receive him) Until he met Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) came forward along with him until they both (Allah's Messenger, along with Abu Talha) came in. Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Umm Sulaim. bring forth that which you have with you. She brought the bread. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded that the bread be broken into small pieces, and when Umm Sulaim had squeezed a small waterskin and put seasoning on it, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) recited something regarding it what Allah wished him to say. He then said: Allow ten (guests to come in and have their meals). He permitted them; they ate until they had their fill. They then went out. He (the Holy Prophet) again said: Permit ten (more) and he (the host gave permission to them. They ate until they had enough. Then they went out. he again said: Permit ten (more) until all the people had eaten to their fill, and they were seventy or eighty persons.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 2040a
This narration from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the miraculous blessing (barakah) that Allah bestows upon the provisions of the righteous. The meager quantity of food, insufficient even for a small gathering, was multiplied through the blessings of the Prophet's supplication and the sincere faith of the hosts, Abu Talha and Umm Sulaim.
Scholarly Commentary on Divine Blessing
The feebleness in the Prophet's voice due to hunger teaches us about his human nature and the ascetic life he chose despite having access to divine provisions. This emphasizes that hunger and hardship are tests for the believers, even for the best of creation.
Umm Sulaim's immediate response, offering her family's entire provision despite their own needs, exemplifies perfect faith in Allah's promise of sustenance. Her statement "Allah and His Messenger know best" reflects complete trust (tawakkul) in divine decree.
Lessons in Hospitality and Trust
The method of serving guests in groups of ten demonstrates practical wisdom in managing limited resources while maintaining proper hospitality etiquette. This teaches Muslims to be resourceful and trusting in Allah when hosting guests.
The miraculous multiplication occurred only after the Prophet's blessing, showing that barakah comes through obedience to Allah and following the Sunnah. The exact same food that was insufficient for a few became sufficient for nearly eighty people through divine intervention.
Spiritual Significance
This incident serves as a permanent miracle (mu'jizah) confirming the Prophet's truthfulness. It teaches that material causes are secondary to divine will, and that true provision comes from Allah alone, not from the apparent quantity of resources.
The narration encourages believers to be generous even when possessing little, trusting that Allah will replace and multiply what they give in His cause. The blessing in sustenance is directly connected to piety and obedience to Allah's commands.