(Reporting the speech of Ka`b bin Umra) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saw him (i.e. Ka`b) while the lice were falling on his face. He asked (him), "Have your lice troubled you?" He replied in the affirmative. So, he ordered him to get his head shaved while he was at Al-Hudaibiya. At that time they were not permitted to finish their Ihram, and were still hoping to enter Mecca. So, Allah revealed the verses of Al-Fidya. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ordered him to feed six poor persons with one Faraq of food or to slaughter one sheep (as a sacrifice) or to fast for three days.
Contextual Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1817 recounts events during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah when pilgrims were prevented from completing their pilgrimage to Mecca. The companions, including Ka'b bin Umra, were in a state of ihram but faced hardship due to prolonged stay.
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
The Prophet's observation of Ka'b's suffering demonstrates his compassionate leadership and attention to his companions' conditions. The lice infestation indicated severe discomfort requiring relief from ihram restrictions.
Shaving the head during ihram is normally prohibited except in cases of genuine hardship. This ruling established the principle that religious obligations consider human capability and remove undue hardship.
Legal Rulings and Fidya (Compensation)
The revelation of fidya verses (Quran 2:196) provided a merciful alternative: feeding six poor persons (one faraq ≈ 3 kg of food), sacrificing a sheep, or fasting three days. This compensation maintains spiritual value while addressing practical necessity.
Classical scholars note this established the principle of "rukhsa" (concession) in Islamic law, where genuine hardship warrants legal flexibility without compromising religious objectives.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches that Islam balances between worship obligations and human welfare. The companions' patience while hoping to enter Mecca exemplifies steadfast faith amid disappointment.
The gradual revelation of rulings demonstrates Allah's wisdom in legislating according to emerging circumstances, providing eternal guidance for similar situations throughout Islamic history.