It
is narrated either on the authority of Abu Huraira or that of Abu Sa'id Khudri.
The narrator A'mash has narrated this hadith with a little bit of doubt (about
the name of the very first narrator who was in direct contact with the Holy
Prophet. He was either Abu Huraira or Abu Sa'id Khudri. Both are equally
reliable transmitters of the traditions). He (the narrator) said: During the
time of Tabuk expedition, the (provisions) ran short and the men (of the army)
suffered starvation; they said: Messenger of Allah, would you permit us to slay
our camels? We would eat them and use their fat. The Messenger of Allah (may
peace be upon him) said: Do as you please. He (the narrator) said: Then 'Umar
came there and said: Messenger of Allah, if you do that (if you give your
consent and the men begin to slay their camels), the riding animals would
become short. But (I would suggest you to) summon them along with the provisions
left with them Then invoke Allah's blessings on them (different items of the
provisions) It is hoped Allah shall bless them. The Messenger of Allah replied
in the affirmative. (the narrator) said: He called for a leather mat to be used
as a table cloth and spread it out. Then he called people along with the
remaining portions of their provisions. He (the narrator) said: Someone was
coming with handful of mote, another was coming with a handful of dates, still
another was coming with a portion of bread, till small quantities of these
things were collected on the table cloth. He (the narrator said): Then the
messenger of Allah invoked blessing (on them) and said: Fill your utensils with
these provisions. He (the narrator) said: They filled their vessel to the brim
with them, and no one amongst the army (which comprised of 30,000 persons) was
left even with a single empty vessel. He (the narrator) aid: They ate to their
fill, and there was still a surplus. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may
peace be upon him) remarked: I bear testimony that there is no god but Allah
and I am the messenger of Allah. The man who meets his Lord without harboring
any doubt about these two (truths) would never be kept away from Paradise.
