Self Reliance
It was a long journey. At one place, they all decided to rest. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and his companions alighted from their horses and loosened their luggage. Then they decided to slaughter an animal and prepare a meal.

One companion said: "I will slaughter the animal."

Another said: "And I will skin it."

The third one volunteered to cook the meat. And so everyone volunteered to help in one way or the other.

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "I will go to find the fuel."

Immediately the companions rose to say: "No, O Prophet of Allah, let it be our pride to serve you while you rest. We are here to do the work for you."

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "I know that you could all do that. But Allah hates a person who enjoys such a privilege among his friends and companions. He hates a man who arrogates himself any preferential position."

Then he went towards the woods and brought back with him twigs and thorns which he had gleaned.