Ka`b bin 'Ujra said that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him (Ka`b), "Perhaps your lice have troubled you?" Ka`b replied, "Yes! O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Have your head shaved and then either fast three days or feed six poor persons or slaughter one sheep as a sacrifice."
Pilgrims Prevented from Completing the Pilgrimage
Sahih al-Bukhari 1814
Context and Circumstances
This hadith occurred during the Hudaybiyyah expedition when the polytheists prevented the Muslims from entering Mecca to perform Umrah. Ka`b bin 'Ujra was in the state of ihram when he suffered from severe lice infestation, which is particularly problematic for pilgrims as they cannot remove hair while in ihram.
Legal Ruling and Divine Concession
The Prophet's question demonstrates his compassion and concern for his companions' welfare. This ruling constitutes a divine concession (rukhsah) in Islamic law, allowing a pilgrim facing genuine hardship to exit the state of ihram by performing an expiatory act (fidyah). The lice infestation represented actual harm (darar), and Shari'ah aims to remove hardship from the believers.
The Three Options of Expiation
The three alternatives provided demonstrate the flexibility and mercy in Islamic legislation: fasting three days, feeding six poor persons, or sacrificing a sheep. Scholars differ whether these are sequential options or choices - the predominant view being they are alternatives of equal merit. The feeding should be sufficient to satisfy one person for one day, typically equivalent to half a sa' of staple food.
Scholarly Applications
This ruling extends beyond lice to any similar hardship preventing proper observance of pilgrimage rites. Classical scholars applied this to various conditions causing similar discomfort, maintaining the principle that the Shari'ah seeks ease, not difficulty. The ruling exemplifies how Islamic law balances religious obligations with human welfare, ensuring worship remains accessible without causing undue suffering.