He said that while they were sitting with the Prophet a man came to him and said, “Messenger of God, I am undone.” He asked him what had happened to him and he replied that he had had intercourse with his wife while he was fasting. God’s messenger then asked him whether he could get a slave to free, but he replied that he could not. He asked if he could fast two consecutive months, but he replied that he could not. He asked if he could provide food for sixty poor people, and when he replied that he could not, he told him to sit down. The Prophet then waited for a time, and meanwhile an ‘araq containing dates was brought to him, an ‘araq being a huge basket.* He asked where the man who had questioned him was, and when he replied, "[Here] I am," he said, "Take this and give it as sadaqa." The man replied, “Am I to give it to one who is poorer than I am, messenger of God? I swear by God that there is no poorer family than mine between the two lava plains of Medina," i.e. the two harras. The Prophet thereupon laughed so that his eye-teeth became visible and said, "Give it to your family to eat."*In explaining the word 'araq the tradition calls it a hugh miktal. The miktal was a basket containing fifteen sa's. It is also said to have had double that capacity.(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Incident of Violating the Fast
This narration from Mishkat al-Masabih 2004 presents a profound lesson regarding the expiation (kaffārah) for intentionally breaking the fast of Ramadan through sexual intercourse. The man's declaration "I am undone" reflects his deep spiritual distress and recognition of the gravity of his violation.
Hierarchy of Expiation
The Prophet (peace be upon him) presented three options in descending order of merit: freeing a slave, fasting two consecutive months, or feeding sixty poor people. This hierarchy demonstrates Islam's graduated approach to repentance, accommodating different capabilities while maintaining the sanctity of fasting.
Divine Mercy and Practical Wisdom
When the man could not fulfill any expiation, the Prophet did not condemn him but provided a practical solution through the dates. His laughter upon hearing the man's claim of poverty was not mockery but reflected joy at God's mercy and the man's honest predicament.
Legal and Spiritual Dimensions
Scholars note this case establishes that intentional sexual intercourse during fasting hours requires kaffārah, unlike mere eating or drinking. The final instruction to "feed your family" transforms the expiation into sustenance for his own household, showing Islam's practical compassion toward genuine hardship.
Measurement Clarification
The 'araq (basket) contained approximately fifteen ṣā' (approximately 30-35 kg of dates), sufficient to feed sixty people. This measurement detail ensures proper implementation of the ruling while demonstrating the precision of Islamic legal traditions.