In the month of Dhu-l-hejjah, in the fifth year after the Flight, his holy and prophetic lordship despatched Abu O’baydah Jurrâh toward Sayfu-l-hajar, and in that expedition the provisions of the army consisted of dates. It is related that in the beginning each combatant was satisfied with one date per diem, but that at last the ration was reduced to half a date. When, however, they became much distressed, God the most high and glorious threw a fish from the sea upon the shore, the meat whereof nourished three hundred men during one month. In the Mostaqadza there is a tradition of Jâber—m. A. r. h.—which is as follows: ‘I passed with my camel under one of the ribs of the fish.’
Wâqidi says: ‘When the provisions had been consumed in that expedition, Qays B. Sa’d B. A’bâdah asked: “Will anyone sell camels for dates on condition of obtaining them immediately, and to be repaid [again for the camels] in dates at Madinah?” O’mar B. Alkhattâb replied: “It is strange that this youth should stretch forth his hand against the property of his father, he possessing none himself.” But Qays replied insultingly to Fârâq [i.e., to O’mar]: “My father causes pedestrians to ride, and fills the hungry. How could he refuse to pay a debt which I contract in the cause of those who are combating for the religion?” Thereon Qays purchased from a man for five camels two loads of dates, which were consumed as needed. When they returned from their expedition, and arrived in Madinah, Sa’d B. A’bâdah rejoiced at the good act of Qays, praised him and presented him with four date-groves. When the purchaser of the camels arrived in Madinah Sa’d paid him the price of the camels, and kept the matter secret; but when his lordship—u. w. b.—was apprised of the humanity of Qays, he said: “Verily he is of a liberal family.”’