We set out on an expedition with, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). We faced hardship (in getting provisions) until we decided to slaughter some of our riding animals. Allah's Apostle (ﷺ), commanded us to pool our provisions of food. So we spread a sheet of leather and the provisions of the people were collected on it. I stretched myself to measure how much that was (the length and breadth of the sheet on which the provisions were laid). I measured it and (found) that it was (in length and breadth) of (so much size) on which a goat could sit. We were fourteen hundred persons. We (all) ate until we were fully satisfied and then filled our bags with provisions. Then Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: Is there any water for performing ablution. Then there came a man with a small bucket containing some water. He threw it in a basin. We all fourteen hundred persons performed ablution using the water in plenty. Then there came after that eight persons and they said: Is there any water to perform ablution? Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: The ablution has already been performed.
The Book of Lost Property - Sahih Muslim 1729
This narration from Sahih Muslim demonstrates profound divine blessings (barakah) manifesting through the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The miraculous multiplication of provisions and water serves as tangible evidence of his prophethood and Allah's support for the believers.
Commentary on Provisions
The initial hardship and decision to slaughter riding animals illustrates the severity of their situation. When the companions pooled their meager provisions on a small leather sheet, the miraculous multiplication occurred through the barakah of the Prophet's blessed presence and command.
Scholars note that this miracle demonstrates how trust in Allah and obedience to His Messenger transforms scarcity into abundance. The fourteen hundred persons eating their fill and filling their bags shows complete divine provision beyond immediate needs.
Commentary on Water Miracle
The water miracle similarly manifests divine power. A small bucket's water sufficed for fourteen hundred men to perform complete ablution (wudu), with water remaining plentiful. This echoes earlier prophets' miracles while confirming Muhammad's (ﷺ) unique station.
The eight latecomers being informed that ablution was already performed indicates that the miraculous water retained its purifying quality despite extensive use, unlike ordinary water which becomes used (musta'mal).
Scholarly Conclusions
Classical commentators emphasize these events establish the validity of seeking blessings through the Prophet's relics and reminders. The miracles served to strengthen faith, demonstrate Allah's support for the Muslim community, and confirm the Prophet's truthfulness.
This narration also teaches important lessons about trust in divine provision, community cooperation, and recognizing blessings in apparent hardships.