55/0. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2972a — Dates and Water
The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts
Hadith About Dates and Water in the Prophet’s Household
Sahih Muslim : 2972a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2972a
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، قَالَ وَيَحْيَى بْنُ يَمَانٍ حَدَّثَنَا عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ إِنْ كُنَّا آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَنَمْكُثُ شَهْرًا مَا نَسْتَوْقِدُ بِنَارٍ إِنْ هُوَ إِلاَّ التَّمْرُ وَالْمَاءُ .
A'isha reported: We the family of Muhammad (ﷺ) used to spend (the whole) month in which we (did not need to) kindle the fire as (we had nothing to cook) ; we had only dates and water (to fill our bellies).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2972aIn-book reference : Book 55, Hadith 33USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 42, Hadith 7089
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2972a
This well-known hadith about dates and water shows how simple life could be in the household of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Aisha says they would spend a whole month without kindling a fire, meaning there was nothing to cook. Their food was dates and water. The narration is very plain and should be read as it is: it describes a month without cooking in the Prophet’s home. It does not say every day of his life was exactly the same, nor does it ask people to avoid cooked food. Its message is to remember the Prophet’s household when we think about comfort, food choices, and gratitude for daily meals.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet’s household sometimes went a month without cooking food.
- Dates and water were enough to sustain them in that period.
- Simple provision should not be treated with disrespect.
- Remembering this narration can soften the heart toward daily blessings.
