37/12. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 4157 — One Date for Each Man
The livelihood of the companions of the Prophet (saws)
Hadith About Sharing Food: One Date for Each Person
Sunan Ibn Majah : 4157
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 4157
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ عَبَّاسٍ الْجُرَيْرِيِّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عُثْمَانَ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّهُمْ أَصَابَهُمْ جُوعٌ وَهُمْ سَبْعَةٌ قَالَ فَأَعْطَانِي النَّبِيُّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ سَبْعَ تَمَرَاتٍ لِكُلِّ إِنْسَانٍ تَمْرَةٌ .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
They suffered from hunger and they were seven. He said: “Then the Prophet (ﷺ) gave me seven dates, one date for each man.”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4157In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 58English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4157
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 4157
This hadith about sharing food shows a moment of hunger among seven people. Abu Hurairah said that they suffered from hunger, and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) gave seven dates: one date for each man. The amount was very small, but it was shared fairly. The hadith teaches us to notice the value of food, even when it is only one date. It also shows that in hard times, whatever is available can be divided with care. The narration does not add extra promises or rulings; it simply shows hunger and sharing. This can remind us to be thankful for meals, to avoid waste, and to help others even when what we have is small.
What we learn from this hadith
- The companions faced hunger together.
- A small amount of food was shared among them.
- One date had value in a time of need.
- The hadith encourages fair sharing and gratitude.
