“I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about a man on whom there is Qada’ (compensatory prayer for) optional Salah (prayer), so much that he does not know how many because of its great number. What is he required to do?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘He performs so many that cannot say how many is performed. In this way he has performed Qada’ (compensatory prayer for) what is missed according to his knowledge.’ I then said, ‘He is not able to perform all the Qada’ (compensatory prayer for) what is missed because of his business.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘If his business is for his living which is necessary or it is for the needs of his brother in belief, then he is not obligated for anything in this matter. If his business is for the worldly matters which keeps him away from his Salah (prayer), then it is necessary for him to perform the Qada’ (compensatory prayer), otherwise, he will meet Allah as one considered neglectful, humiliated and destroying the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah.’ I then said, ‘He is not able to perform the Qada’ (compensatory prayer). Can he pay charity?’ He (the Imam) remained quiet for a while then said, ‘Yes, he can give charity.’ I then asked, ‘How much charity he must pay?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘As much as he can afford. The minimum is one handful of food to a destitute for every Salah (prayer).’ I then asked, ‘For how many Salah (prayer) one handful of food to a destitute is sufficient?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is for every two Rak‘at of nightly Salah (prayer) and every two Rak‘at of Salah (prayer) during the day.’ I then said, ‘He is not able to do so.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is one handful for four Rak‘at.’ I said, ‘He cannot give that much.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is one handful for Salah (prayer) of every night and one handful for Salah (prayer) of every day but Salah (prayer) is better, Salah (prayer) is better.’”