Jaber-ibn Abdullah al-Ansari has narrated:
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) had not eaten anything for several days. Hunger was making him suffer. He went to the houses of his wives, but found nothing there to eat. He then went to the house of Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.) and told her, “O my daughter! Do you have anything for me to eat as I am very hungry?”
Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.) replied, “No my dear father.”
As soon as Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) left her house, one of the neighbors brought Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.) some bread and meat. She accepted the offer, put it in a dish, and covered it. Although Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.)and her family were in much need for food she said, “I consider the Messenger of Allah as being prior to me and my family in this meal.”
She then sent Hasan (A.S.) and Husain (A.S.) after Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). When the Prophet (S.A.W.) returned, Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.)said, “Allah has sent us some food that I have put aside for you.” The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked her to bring the food. Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.) brought the dish. When she uncovered it, she found it full of bread and meat. Being surprised, she realized that it was Allah’s (SWT) blessing. She thanked Allah (SWT) and praised His Prophet (S.A.W.). When Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) saw the dish, he said, “From where have you gotten this food?” She said, “It is from Allah. He gives sustenance to anyone he wants without counting.”1 The Prophet (S.A.W.) praised Allah (SWT) and said, “Grace be to Allah who has made you similar to the best woman of the world during the time of the tribe of Israelites. When was asked about who sent her the food, she (Holy Mary (A.S.)) would reply, ‘Allah gives sustenance to anyone he wants without counting.’ ”
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) then sent someone after Imam Ali (PBUH). Then Holy Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, Hadrat Fatimah, Imam Hasan (A.S.), Imam Husain (A.S.) and all the wives and family of the Prophet (S.A.W.) ate from that food, but still the dish remained full. Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.) said, “I gave some of that food to all the neighbors. Allah (SWT) has blessed that food, just like the one of Mary’s (A.S.).”
(Selection taken from “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 43, p.68 and “Manaqib Ibn Sharashoub”, vol. 3, p.338)
1- This statement of Hadrat Fatimah (A.S.)refer to a verse of the holy Quran, (2:38)
shiastudies.com
