55/0. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2977b — Dates, Butter, and Contentment
The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts
Hadith About Dates, Butter, and Remembering the Prophet’s Hunger
Sahih Muslim : 2977b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2977b
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ آدَمَ، حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ، بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ أَخْبَرَنَا الْمُلاَئِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْرَائِيلُ، كِلاَهُمَا عَنْ سِمَاكٍ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ . نَحْوَهُ وَزَادَ فِي حَدِيثِ زُهَيْرٍ وَمَا تَرْضَوْنَ دُونَ أَلْوَانِ التَّمْرِ وَالزُّبْدِ .
This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Simak with the same chain of transmitters, with this addition of words: " You are not satisfied with the qualities of dates and butter."
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2977bIn-book reference : Book 55, Hadith 44USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 42, Hadith 7100
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2977b
This hadith variant keeps the same main point as Nu‘man’s report and adds a telling phrase: people were not satisfied with different qualities of dates and butter. That addition makes the reminder sharper. It shows a contrast between later comfort and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم being unable, at times, to find even poor-quality dates enough to fill his belly. The report is not saying that dates or butter are wrong. It is pointing to dissatisfaction when blessings are present. For readers searching for a hadith about contentment with food, this narration teaches a plain lesson: do not let variety make the heart forget the simple life of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
What we learn from this hadith
- The added wording mentions dissatisfaction despite dates and butter.
- The report contrasts available comfort with the Prophet’s hunger.
- The narration teaches contentment with food that is present.
- A person should not let variety turn into complaint.
