A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I am ruined!" The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
"Waihaka (May Allah be merciful to you) !" The man said, "I have done sexual intercourse with my
wife while fasting in Ramadan." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Manumit a slave." The man said, " I cannot afford
that. " The Prophet (ﷺ) said; "Then fast for two successive months." The man said, " I have no power to
do so." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Then feed sixty poor persons." The man said, "I have nothing (to feed sixty
persons). Later a basket full of dates were brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said (to the man), "Take it
and give it in charity." The man said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall I give it to people other than my
family? By Him in Whose Hand my life is, there is nobody poorer than me in the whole city of
Medina." The Prophet (ﷺ) smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and said, "Take it." Az-Zuhri said
(that the Prophet (ﷺ) said). "Wailaka."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, a man approached the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, distressed after having intimate relations with his wife while fasting during Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ offered him several options for expiation, including freeing a slave, fasting for two consecutive months, or feeding sixty poor people. When the man expressed his inability to fulfill these options, the Prophet ﷺ provided him with a basket of dates to give in charity, showcasing compassion and understanding of human limitations.
Modern Application
This hadith illustrates the importance of compassion and support within our communities, especially when individuals face difficulties. It encourages us to help those in need, particularly during Ramadan, by providing food and assistance to the less fortunate.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Punishments (Hudud) because it addresses the consequences of a serious mistake while emphasizing the importance of helping others through acts of charity.
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.
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.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.