Q 1: Sometimes a man hosts a guest who is worried that he may prepare too much food for him, so he says: "My wife will be divorced if you slaughter an animal for me.'' Then the host slaughters an animal. What is the ruling in this case?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, then the person who makes an oath of divorce (Part No. 20; Page No. 207) that his host will not slaughter an animal for him and the host does, must make Kaffarah (expiation) for breaking an oath. This can be done by feeding ten poor people an amount of five Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, fresh dates, rice, or from the type of food fed to the family. It is acceptable to clothe ten poor people or free a believing slave. If this is not affordable, one can fast for three - preferably successive - days. Allah (Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! Make not unlawful the Tayyibât (all that is good as regards foods, things, deeds, beliefs, persons) which Allâh has made lawful to you, and transgress not. Verily, Allâh does not like the transgressors. And eat of the things which Allâh has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allâh in Whom you believe. Allâh will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation feed ten Masâkîn (poor persons) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.