"Some of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) were looking for (water for) Wudu'. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Do any of you have water?' He put his hand in the water and said: 'Perform Wudu' in the Name of Allah.' I saw the water coming out from between his fingers until they had all performed Wudu'." Thabit said: "I said to Anas: 'How many did you see?' He said: 'About seventy.'"
The Book of Purification - Sunan an-Nasa'i 78
"Some of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) were looking for (water for) Wudu'. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Do any of you have water?' He put his hand in the water and said: 'Perform Wudu' in the Name of Allah.' I saw the water coming out from between his fingers until they had all performed Wudu'." Thabit said: "I said to Anas: 'How many did you see?' He said: 'About seventy.'"
Commentary on the Miraculous Event
This narration demonstrates one of the clear miracles (mu'jizat) bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by Allah Almighty. The water flowing from between his blessed fingers is a tangible sign of his prophethood, similar to the miracles granted to previous prophets like Musa (Moses) with the staff and 'Isa (Jesus) with healing.
The scholars explain that this miracle served multiple purposes: it addressed the immediate need of the Companions for purification water, strengthened their faith, and provided physical evidence of divine support for Allah's Messenger.
Jurisprudential Rulings
The instruction "Perform Wudu' in the Name of Allah" indicates the recommended practice of beginning acts of worship with Basmalah (saying 'Bismillah'). While not obligatory for the validity of wudu', it is a confirmed sunnah that brings blessings to the act of purification.
This hadith also establishes that water produced through miraculous means possesses the same purifying qualities as natural water, and is suitable for ritual purification (taharah). The large number of beneficiaries (approximately seventy) emphasizes the magnitude of this miracle.
Spiritual Lessons
This event teaches complete reliance upon Allah (tawakkul) in all circumstances. When the Companions found themselves without sufficient water, they turned to the Prophet, who in turn demonstrated dependence on Allah, who responded with this magnificent sign.
The miracle also illustrates how Allah honors and supports those who follow His commandments. The Companions' commitment to maintaining ritual purity despite difficult circumstances was rewarded with this divine intervention.