The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 2059 d

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.

Hadith Text

"Food for one (person) suffices two, and food for two (persons) suffices four persons and food for four persons suffices eight persons."

Commentary

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the divine blessing (barakah) that Allah places in provisions when shared with others. The apparent meaning indicates a miraculous multiplication of sustenance when distributed with good intention.

Scholars explain this encompasses both material and spiritual blessings. Materially, Allah expands the provision through contentment and satisfaction. Spiritually, the reward multiplies through the act of sharing and strengthening communal bonds.

This teaching encourages Muslims to be generous, not to hoard provisions, and to trust in Allah's promise of increased blessings through sharing. It reflects the Islamic principle that communal harmony and caring for one another brings divine abundance to the entire community.

Practical Application

This hadith guides Muslims to be hospitable and generous hosts, not fearing scarcity when sharing food with guests. It teaches that blessings come through generosity rather than miserliness.

The principle extends beyond food to all forms of charity and sharing of resources, reminding believers that Allah's bounty increases through acts of kindness and community support.