Lu'lu' wal-Marjan

Abdullah bin Ma’qil (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated that I was present with Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah (may Allah be pleased with him) in that mosque—he meant the mosque of Kufa—and I asked him about the fidya (compensation) for fasting. He narrated that people took me to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while I was in ihram, and lice were falling from my head onto my face. The Prophet said: “I did not think that you had reached such a level of hardship. Can you not find a sheep (to offer as sacrifice)?” I said: “No.” He said: “Then fast for three days, or feed six needy people—each needy person half a sa’ of food—and shave your head.” Ka’b said: “So this verse was revealed specifically about me, but its ruling is general for all of you.”