As-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah

A beautiful story… please read and see what lessons can be drawn from it.

“Ibn ‘Umar (radhi’Allahu `anhu) reports that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) once sent out an army unit which included a man called Hudayr. It was a year of difficulty and food was in short supply, so the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) gave each person provisions (for the journey) but he forgot to provide for Hudayr.

Hudayr was patient and went out with the last group, seeking reward and expecting good from Allah, saying “‘La ilaha illa’Allah’ (There is none worthy of worship except Allah), ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the Greatest), ‘Al-Hamdulillah’ (Praise be to Allah), ‘Subhan’Allah’ (Glory be to Allah), and ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no might or power except with Allah).” And he would say, “This is the best of provisions, O Lord.” Continuously, he repeated this whilst in his group.

Jibreel (‘alayhisalam) came to the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) and said, “Indeed, my Lord has sent me to you to inform you that you provided for your companions but you forgot to provide for Hudayr and he is in the last battalion saying, “’La ilaha illa’Allah’ (There is none worthy of worship except Allah), ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the Greatest), ‘Al-Hamdulillah’ (Praise be to Allah), ‘Subhan’Allah’ (Glory be to Allah), and ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no might or power except with Allah). This is the best of provision, O Lord.” This statement of his will be a light for him on the Day of Judgement and it shall fill what is between the heavens and the earth, so send him his provision.”

The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) immediately called a man and gave him the provision of Hudayr (to take it to him) and commanded him to listen and memorise whatever Hudayr says upon meeting him and upon giving him the provision, and to tell him, “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) sends you the greeting of peace and the mercy of Allah, and he wants to inform you that he forgot to provide for you but my Lord, Blessed and Lofty is He, sent Jibreel to remind him of you and he told him of your position (in the army).”

So the man set off and met Hudayr whilst he was still repeating “’La ilaha illa’Allah’ (There is none worthy of worship except Allah), ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the Greatest), ‘Al-Hamdulillah’ (Praise be to Allah), ‘Subhan’Allah’ (Glory be to Allah), and ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no might or power except with Allah). This is the best of provision, O Lord.”

He then drew close to him and said, “Indeed, the Messenger of Allah sends you his greeting of peace and the mercy of Allah, and he has sent me to you with this provision saying, “Indeed, I forgot you so Jibreel was sent to me from the heavens to remind me of you.”

He (Hudayr) praised and thanked Allah and sent his blessings upon the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam). Then he said, “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. My Lord remembered me from above the seven heavens and from above His Throne, and He was merciful towards my hunger and my weakness. O my Lord, just as You did not forget me, do not let Hudayr forget You.”

The man memorised what he said, and went back to the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), informing him of what he heard Hudayr say upon reaching him and giving him the news. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) then said, “If you were to lift your head to the sky, you would surely have seen a light spreading and radiating all that is between the heavens and the earth, due to his words.””

– Related by Ibn Jawzi in his collection, ‘Sifat al-Safwah’ [See also, al-Atqiya’ al-Akhfiya’, pg. 117-118]

Some brief lessons:

• Allah will never ever fail you, if you place your trust in Him.
• Have a good expectation and opinion of your Lord. Not only does He Hear and See all, but He is the best of Providers.
• Your provisions will always reach you, even if at first, they pass you by.
• Remember Allah and He will remember you.
• Dhikr (Remembrance) is one of the best provisions and nourishment for the soul.
• Dhikr and ‘Ibadah (worship) strengthen you and will keep you going (physically, spiritually and mentally) and will take you much further than you think.
• We all forget. By definition, the human being is a forgetful being. This is not blameworthy.
• Learning from the Prophet (s), we should hasten to make amends and correct our actions the moment we remember or are reminded.
• Allah will always send you His Help.
• Look at the beautiful etiquette of Hudayr. He did not disobey the leader or accuse him of unfairness etc. Instead he focused on his own role as a soldier/part of the battalion and he placed his affair in the Hands of Allah.
• The way we react to things makes all the difference.
• Our actions have effects; the good we say and do can create light which reaches to the skies and witnessed by the angels.
• Remember to thank Allah when difficulties are alleviated.
• Take advantage of the moment and make the best du’a for yourself after thanking Allah – He is ready to respond!