A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) during Ramadan in the mosque. He said: Messenger of Allah, I am burnt. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him what happened to him. He said: I had sexual intercourse with my wife. He said: Give sadaqah (alms). He said: I swear by Allah, I possess nothing with me, and I cannot do this. He said: Sit down. He sat down. While he was waiting, a man came forward driving his donkey loaded with food. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Where is the man who was burnt just now ? Thereupon the man stood up. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Give it as sadaqah (alms). He asked: Messenger of Allah, to others than us ? By Allah. we are hungry, we have nothing (to eat). He said: Eat it yourselves.
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2394 in the Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam) describes a man who approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the mosque during Ramadan after having sexual intercourse with his wife, thus breaking his fast and requiring expiation (kaffarah).
Legal Ruling & Expiation
The Prophet's initial instruction to give sadaqah (charity) establishes the primary expiation for such violations during Ramadan fasting. Classical scholars interpret this as feeding one poor person, consistent with other hadiths specifying the quantity.
The man's inability to provide charity demonstrates the Islamic principle of easing religious obligations according to one's capability, reflecting divine mercy in legislation.
Divine Providence & Wisdom
The arrival of the food-laden donkey immediately after the man's confession demonstrates divine arrangement in resolving the believer's predicament. This incident shows how Allah facilitates solutions for those sincerely seeking repentance.
The Prophet's final instruction to consume the food themselves after learning of their poverty illustrates the principle that necessity overrides certain obligations, and that the preservation of life takes precedence.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical commentators note this hadith establishes multiple legal principles: the requirement of expiation for intentional breaking of Ramadan fast through intercourse, the gradation of obligations according to capability, and the permissibility of using expiation materials for one's own sustenance in cases of genuine need.
The incident also demonstrates the Prophet's compassionate leadership and practical approach to problem-solving, balancing religious requirements with human circumstances.