N i n t h E x a m p l e : Relating from ‘Amr b. Shu‘ayb, the grandson of ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As, on whom they relied for explanations of Hadiths, the Four Imams narrated – from a sound narration: “Before his prophetic mission, the Noble Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace) once came by camel with his uncle Abu Talib to the place called Dhu’l-Hijaz near ‘Arafat. Abu Talib said he was thirsty. The Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace) dismounted from the camel and struck the ground with his foot. Water gushed out and Abu Talib drank from it.”[124]
One of the researchers, however, stated that this incident should be included in the category of irhasat,[125] for it occurred before his prophethood. But since ever afterwards the spring of ‘Arafat flowed from the spot, it may be considered a wonder of Muhammad (UWBP).
Similar to these nine examples, ninety different narrations – if not ninet y instances – have reported miracles concerning water. The first seven examples are as sound and definite as ‘consensus in meaning.’ For sure the last two are not supported by the narrations of numerous narrators or a strong chain of transmitters, but supporting and confirming the incident mentioned in the eighth example as narrated by ‘Umar, is another miracle reported by the authentic books of Hadith, including Bayhaqi and al-Hakim; it is as follows:
“‘Umar requested of God’s Noble Messenger (UWBP) that he should pray for rain, because the army was in need of water. The Messenger (UWBP) raised his hands, and at once clouds gathered and rain fell, enough for the army’s needs, then they dispersed.”[126] It was quite simply as though they were officials charged with watering the army; they came, poured down sufficient for its needs, then went.
This narration corroborates the eighth example and proves it decisively. So too, the famous learned scholar, Ibn al-Jawzi, who was extremely fastidious in verifying Hadiths even rejecting as spurious many authentic ones, said that this event took place, but at the famous Battle of Badr.[127] He said that it is referred to by the verse, “And He caused rain to descend on you from heaven to clean you therewith.”(8:11) Since that is the case, no doubt can remain concerning its certainty.
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[124] Qadi Iyad, al-Shifa’, i, 290; al-Khafaji, Sharh al-Shifa’, iii, 29; Bayhaqi, Dala’il al-Nubuwwa, ii, 15-20. See also, Bukhari, Istisqa, 3; Musnad, ii, 93.
[125] For irhasat, see definition on page (Tr.)
126 al-Khafaji, Sharh al-Shifa’, iii, 128; ‘Ali al-Qari, Sharh al-Shifa’, i, 601; Suyuti, al-Durar al- Manthur, iii, 170.
127 Ibn al-Jawzi, Zad al-Masir, iii, 328.