Volume 6, Book 60, Number 42:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Maqal:
I sat with Ka’b bin Ujra in this mosque, i.e. Kufa Mosque, and asked him about the meaning
of:–“Pay a ransom (i.e. Fidya) of either fasting or – – – – (2.196) He said, “I was taken to the Prophet
while lice were falling on my face. The Prophet said, ‘I did not think that your trouble reached to
such an extent. Can you afford to slaughter a sheep (as a ransom for shaving your head)?’ I said, ‘No.’
He said, ‘Then fast for three days, or feed six poor persons by giving half a Sa of food for each and
shave your head.’ So the above Verse was revealed especially for me and generally for all of you.”
Volume 3, Book 28, Number 43:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ma’qal:
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 Apostle and
the lice were falling in great number on my face. The Prophet 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.)