A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) in the mosque and said, "I am burnt (ruined)!" The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, "With what (what have you done)?" He said, "I have had sexual relation with my wife in the month of Ramadan (while fasting)." The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "Give in charity." He said, "I have nothing." The man sat down, and in the meantime there came a person driving a donkey carrying food to the Prophet (ﷺ) ..... (The sub-narrator, 'Abdur Rahman added: I do not know what kind of food it was). On that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Where is the burnt person?" The man said, "Here I am." The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "Take this (food) and give it in charity (to someone)." The man said, "To a poorer person than l? My family has nothing to eat." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "Then eat it yourselves."
Limits and Punishments set by Allah (Hudood)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 6822
Context and Circumstances
This incident occurred during Ramadan when a man approached the Prophet (ﷺ) in a state of extreme distress, fearing divine punishment for violating his fast through marital relations.
Legal Ruling Expounded
The prescribed expiation (kaffārah) for intentional breaking of the Ramadan fast through sexual intercourse is feeding sixty poor persons. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated flexibility in applying this ruling based on individual circumstances.
Divine Mercy Manifested
When the man confessed his poverty, the Prophet (ﷺ) provided him with food to fulfill the expiation. When the man revealed his family's greater need, the Prophet permitted them to consume it themselves, showing Allah's mercy outweighs His wrath.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars emphasize this hadith demonstrates: 1) The importance of sincere repentance 2) Allah's willingness to accept whatever expiation one can afford 3) The principle of easing religious obligations during genuine hardship 4) The superiority of feeding one's own starving family over formal expiation when necessary.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches Muslims that while Hudood punishments are serious, Allah's mercy prevails for those who sincerely repent. The Shari'ah considers human circumstances and prioritizes essential needs over formal requirements when genuine hardship exists.