The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 456
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 456 Holy Prophet sa visions of the future victories and prosperity of the Muslims. However, apparently at the time, the circumstances were of such difficulty and hardship that upon hearing these promises, the hypocrites of Madīnah mocked the Muslims saying, “They do not even possess the strength to step out of their own homes and are dreaming of the kingdoms of Caesar and Chosroes. ” 1 However, in the estimation of God, all of these bounties had been decreed for the Muslims. Therefore, these promises were fulfilled at their respective times. Some were fulfilled in the last days of the Holy Prophet sa , while most were fulfilled in the era of his Khulafā’, and thus, became a source of increasing the Muslims in faith and gratitude. On this very occasion, a faithful Companion of the Holy Prophet sa named Jābir bin ‘Abdullāh ra noticed signs of weakness and starvation on the countenance of the Holy Prophet sa , and sought permission to go home for a short while. Upon arriving at home, Jābir ra said to his wife, “It seems as if the Holy Prophet sa is in great hardship due to extreme hunger. Do you have something to eat?” She responded, “Yes, I have some barley flour and one goat. ” Jābir ra states, “I slaughtered the goat and kneaded the flour into dough. Then, I said to my wife, ‘You prepare the food, while I present myself before the Holy Prophet sa and request him to come over. ’” My wife said, “Look here, do not embarrass me. The food is very little. Do not bring too many people along with the Holy Prophet sa. ” Jābir ra goes on to relate, “I went and almost in a whisper submitted to the Holy Prophet, ‘O Messenger of Allāh! I have some meat and barley dough and have asked my wife to prepare the food. I would request you to come over with a few Companions and eat at our home. ’” The Holy Prophet sa said, “How much food do you have?” I submitted that we have such and such amount. The Holy Prophet sa said, “It is plenty. ” Then, the Holy Prophet sa cast a glance around him and called out in a loud voice, “O company of the Anṣār and Muhājirīn! Come along. Jābir has invited us to a meal. Let us go and eat. ” At this voice, about 1,000 hunger-stricken Companions joined the Holy Prophet sa. The Holy Prophet sa instructed Jābir ra , “Go home quickly and tell your wife that until I arrive, she should not take the cooking pot off the stove, nor should she begin to prepare the bread. ” Jābir hurried home at once and informed his wife. The poor lady became extremely worried, because the food was only enough for a few, and since a multitude of people were on their way, she had no idea what to do. However, when the Holy Prophet sa arrived, he very calmly prayed 1 * As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Mālik bin Hishām, p. 626, Ghazwatul- Khandaqi Fī Shawwālin Sanata Khamsin, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)