I sat with Ka`b bin 'Ujra and asked him about the Fidya. He replied, "This revelation was revealed concerning my case especially, but it is also for you in general. I was carried to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and the lice were falling in great number on my face. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have never thought that your ailment (or struggle) has reached to such an extent as I see. Can you afford a sheep?" I replied in the negative. He then said, "Fast for three days, or feed six poor persons each with half a Sa of food." (1 Sa = 3 Kilograms approx.)
Contextual Background (Asbāb al-Wurūd)
This narration from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1816 documents the specific circumstance behind the revelation concerning fidya (compensation). Kaʿb bin ʿUjra (رضي الله عنه) was in iḥrām during the Farewell Pilgrimage when severe lice infestation afflicted him, making his condition unbearable while maintaining the sacred state.
Legal Ruling (Al-Ḥukm al-Fiqhī)
The Prophet (ﷺ) established three compensatory options for one prevented from completing pilgrimage rites due to legitimate hardship: sacrificing a sheep, fasting three days, or feeding six poor persons. This ruling demonstrates the Sharia's flexibility and consideration for human circumstances.
The measurement specified—half a ṣāʿ per person—equates to approximately 1.5 kilograms of staple food (typically dates, barley or raisins), providing substantial nourishment for those in need.
Spiritual Dimensions
Kaʿb's statement "this revelation was revealed concerning my case especially, but it is also for you in general" illustrates how particular incidents yield universal Islamic legislation. The Prophet's compassion—"I have never thought that your ailment has reached to such an extent"—exemplifies ideal leadership concerned with followers' wellbeing.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this hadith establishes important legal principles: the permissibility of fidya when genuine hardship exists during pilgrimage, the gradation of compensatory acts based on financial capability, and the validity of specific revelations having general application.
Imam al-Nawawī comments that this incident demonstrates the Muḥammadan mercy where difficulty never exceeds capacity, as Allah says: "Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity" (Qur'an 2:286).