A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ). He broke his fast during Ramadan. He then narrated the rest of this tradition adding: Then a huge basket containing fifteen sa's of dates was brought to him. He said: Eat it yourself and your family and keep one fast and beg pardon of Allah.
Hadith Text & Reference
"A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ). He broke his fast during Ramadan. He then narrated the rest of this tradition adding: Then a huge basket containing fifteen sa's of dates was brought to him. He said: Eat it yourself and your family and keep one fast and beg pardon of Allah."
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 2393 | Book: Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam)
Legal Ruling & Expiation (Kaffarah)
This hadith establishes the expiation for intentionally breaking the fast during Ramadan without valid excuse. The ruling requires: feeding fifteen sa' of dates (approximately 45-60 kilograms) to one poor person, fasting for one day, and seeking sincere repentance from Allah.
Scholars note this differs from the more commonly known expiation of sexual intercourse during fasting, indicating varying levels of expiation based on the nature of the violation.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Al-Nawawi explains this demonstrates the Prophet's mercy in legislation, providing a means for atonement rather than leaving the sinner without recourse. The feeding requirement serves as both expiation and charity, benefiting the community.
Ibn Qudamah notes the wisdom in specifying dates as they were the common staple food, establishing the principle that expiation should use locally available staple foods equivalent to fifteen sa' in measure.
Spiritual Dimensions
The command to "beg pardon of Allah" emphasizes that while outward expiation fulfills the legal requirement, true forgiveness comes through sincere repentance (tawbah). This combines the physical act of compensation with spiritual purification.
The permission to share the food with one's family shows Islam's consideration for household welfare even during acts of atonement, balancing individual responsibility with family needs.