A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "I am ruined!" The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "What is the
matter?" He said, "I have done a sexual relation with my wife (while fasting) in Ramadan." The
Prophet said to him?" "Can you afford to manumit a slave?" He said, "No." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Can
you fast for two successive months?" He said, "No." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Can you feed sixty poor
persons?" He said, "No." Then an Ansari man came with an Irq (a big basket full of dates). The
Prophet said (to the man), "Take this (basket) and give it in charity." That man said, "To poorer people
than we, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)? By Him Who has sent you with the Truth! There is no house in between
the two mountains (of the city of Medina) poorer than we." So the Prophet (ﷺ) said (to him), "Go and feed
it to your family."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, a man confesses to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that he has sinned by engaging in sexual relations with his wife while fasting during Ramadan. The Prophet (ﷺ) guides him through the process of atonement, offering various options based on the man's ability. This interaction illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) compassion and understanding of human fallibility, as well as the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends.
Modern Application
This principle encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and seek forgiveness when they err. In everyday life, it serves as a reminder to be compassionate towards ourselves and others when mistakes are made, promoting a culture of accountability and support.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Fasting and Manumission of Slaves because it discusses the consequences of breaking a fast and the options for atonement, including feeding the needy.
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.
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.
[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.
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.