Extreme Poverty

Once, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) went to the house of Hazrat Sayyidah Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha). Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Husain (Radhiyallahu anhuma) were not present at home. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked Hazrat Faatimah, “Where are my boys?” She replied: “Today our condition was such that the morning came, and we did not have anything to taste (leave alone food to eat). So, Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) took them out so that they do not cry and trouble me. They went to a certain Yahoodi (to do some labour to earn something).”

Hearing this, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) went to find them. He found both children playing in a garden, and in front of them were a few dates. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to Hazrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu): “Why don’t you take the children home!? Take them before it becomes too hot.”

Hazrat Ali replied: “Today the morning came, and we did not have anything (to eat). So, I came here. Now something has reached my stomach and the stomachs of the children. But I still have to collect a few dates for Faatimah. Wait a little while so that I can get something for her as well.”

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) remained with them until enough dates were collected for Hazrat Sayyidah Faatimah (Radhiyallahu anha). The dates were tied up in a piece of cloth and they returned.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) carried one child and Hazrat Ali carried the other until they reached home.

(Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam Kee Saahbzaadiya)