It is narrated from Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) set out on a journey, and some companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were with him. The time for prayer approached, and the people searched for water for ablution but did not find any. They said to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "O Messenger of Allah! (peace and blessings be upon him) We cannot find water for ablution." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw signs of distress on their faces. A man went and brought a little water in a bowl. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) took it and began to perform ablution, then placed his four fingers into the bowl. He ordered the people to perform ablution with that water. The people continued to perform ablution with it until all of them had done so. Someone asked Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) about the number of people, and he replied, "About seventy or eighty."