I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during the time of the afternoon prayer and the people asking for water for performing ablution which they did not find. (A small quantity) of water was brought to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and he placed his hand in that vessel and commanded people to perform ablution. I saw water spouting from his fingers and the people performing ablution until the last amongst them performed it.
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2279 b
This narration from Sahih Muslim describes one of the manifest miracles granted to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by Allah's permission. The incident occurred during the time of 'Asr prayer when the Companions faced scarcity of water for ablution.
Context and Significance
The scarcity of water in desert conditions was a genuine concern for ritual purity. This miracle demonstrates Allah's support for His Messenger and the divine facilitation of worship.
The flowing of water from the Prophet's fingers resembles the miracle of Prophet Musa (Moses) when water flowed from the rock, establishing continuity in prophetic miracles.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this as one of the tangible miracles (mu'jizat) that affirmed the Prophet's truthfulness. The water emerged from between his fingers specifically, not from the entire hand, emphasizing the precision of the miracle.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that such miracles were granted to strengthen the faith of believers and demonstrate Allah's power working through His chosen Messenger.
Al-Qadi 'Iyad observes that this miracle served both practical and spiritual purposes - solving an immediate need while reinforcing divine support for the Muslim community.
Spiritual Lessons
This event teaches reliance on Allah during difficulty and that divine assistance comes in ways beyond ordinary means.
It illustrates the Prophet's concern for his community's worship and Allah's mercy in facilitating religious obligations.
The miracle demonstrates that material scarcity is no barrier when divine will intervenes to support the believers.