Paying money equal to the price of feeding ten poor people as Kaffarah for an oath


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Q 1: is it permissible to give money that is equal to the value of the food required for Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath? Nowadays, money is more useful and it is hard to find ten poor people and feed them at the same time.


A: Giving money as Kaffarah for breaking an oath or for Zhihar (a man likening his wife to an unmarriageable relative), or for invalidating Sawm (Fast) during Ramadan by having intercourse, instead of feeding the needy, is not acceptable, even if money is thought to be more useful. Rather, a Muslim must give food of the type that they feed their own family; wheat, dates, barley, rice, or otherwise, because this Kaffarah is an act of worship that must be done in the manner enjoined by Shari`ah (Islamic law). In addition, you will find many poor people who need this food if you really look for them. Further, the person who is obliged to make Kaffarah does not have to distribute the food all at the same time, rather they may do it the way that best suits them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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