The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ أَتَى رَجُلٌ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ هَلَكْتُ وَقَعْتُ عَلَى أَهْلِي فِي رَمَضَانَ. قَالَ " أَعْتِقْ رَقَبَةً ". قَالَ لَيْسَ لِي. قَالَ " فَصُمْ شَهْرَيْنِ مُتَتَابِعَيْنِ ". قَالَ لاَ أَسْتَطِيعُ. قَالَ " فَأَطْعِمْ سِتِّينَ مِسْكِينًا ". قَالَ لاَ أَجِدُ. فَأُتِيَ بِعَرَقٍ فِيهِ تَمْرٌ ـ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْعَرَقُ الْمِكْتَلُ فَقَالَ " أَيْنَ السَّائِلُ تَصَدَّقْ بِهَا ". قَالَ عَلَى أَفْقَرَ مِنِّي وَاللَّهِ مَا بَيْنَ لاَبَتَيْهَا أَهْلُ بَيْتٍ أَفْقَرُ مِنَّا. فَضَحِكَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى بَدَتْ نَوَاجِذُهُ. قَالَ " فَأَنْتُمْ إِذًا ".
A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "I have been ruined for I have had sexual relation with my wife
in Ramadan (while I was fasting)" The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to him), "Manumit a slave." The man said, " I
cannot afford that." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Then) fast for two successive months continuously". The man
said, "I cannot do that." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "(Then) feed sixty poor persons." The man said, "I have
nothing (to feed them with)." Then a big basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet. The Prophet (ﷺ)
said, "Where is the questioner? Go and give this in charity." The man said, "(Shall I give this in
charity) to a poorer person than l? By Allah, there is no family in between these two mountains (of
Medina) who are poorer than we." The Prophet (ﷺ) then smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and
said, "Then (feed) your (family with it).
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, a man approaches the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in distress after having violated the fast during Ramadan. The Prophet (ﷺ) offers him several options for atonement, illustrating the importance of compassion and understanding in dealing with human shortcomings. The man's situation leads to a humorous yet profound conclusion that emphasizes the importance of charity.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our interactions with others. It encourages us to support those in need, especially during difficult times, and to find joy in acts of charity.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Punishments (Hudud) because it illustrates the concept of atonement through charitable acts and the compassionate approach of the Prophet (ﷺ) in addressing human errors.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
And those who pronounce thihar from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said - then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.
But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.