Chapter on Zihar (Declaring One's Wife Unlawful Like a Mother)

Sama'ah narrated from Abu Basir, who said: I heard Abu Abdullah عليه السلام say: "A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, I have performed ẓihar (declared my wife as unlawful to me).' The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: 'Go and free a slave.' The man replied: 'I do not have one.' The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: 'Then go and fast for two consecutive months.' The man replied: 'I am not able to do so.' The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: 'Then go and feed sixty poor people.' The man replied: 'I do not have the means.' The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace be upon him and his family) then said: 'I will give charity on your behalf.'" He (peace be upon him and his family) gave him dates to feed sixty poor people and said: "Go and give this in charity." The man said: "By the One who sent you with the truth as a Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم, I do not know anyone between these two mountains (of Madinah) who is more in need of this than me and my family." The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: "Then go and feed your family with it."