Yahya related to me from Malik, from Abu'n-Nadr, the mawla of 'Umar ibn 'Ubaydullah at-Taymi, from Nafi, the mawla of Abu Qatada al- Ansari, that Abu Qatada was once with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. When they got to one of the roads to Makka he fell behind with some companions of his who were muhrim, while he was not. Then he saw a wild ass, so he got on his mount and asked his companions to give him his whip but they refused. Then he asked them for his spear and they refused to give it to him. So he took hold of it and attacked the ass and killed it. Some of the companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ate from it, and others refused. When they had caught up with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, they asked him about it and he said, "It is food that Allah has fed you with".
This hadith also teaches us about patience and obedience as well as respect for authority figures such as prophets or religious leaders who have been appointed by God himself. We should always listen to their advice and follow their instructions even if we don't agree with them because ultimately our faith lies in God's hands alone.
Lastly this hadith also reminds us not to be wasteful when dealing with food or other resources given by Allah since He has provided us with these blessings out of His mercy so we should use them wisely without taking more than what is necessary for our sustenance or pleasure in life.
