The option between feeding the poor, clothing them and freeing a slave as Kaffarah for an oath


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Q 2: One day I did not fulfill an oath and thus I made Kaffarah (expiation) for it. I bought ten bags of rice; one kilo and a half each, and gave them to ten orphans. It may be worth mentioning that these orphans do not have monthly incomes but the (Part No. 23; Page No. 23) social support gives them a sum of money on a yearly basis. They also receive Sadaqah (voluntary charity) from some people of goodness. Your Eminence, here are my questions:1- Is the Kaffarah that I made valid?2- If the Kaffarh is invalid, how can I make up for it? To whom should I give the food, bearing in mind that orphans are the neediest persons in our village?3- which is preferred regarding the Kaffarah for an oath; observing Sawm (Fast) or feeding poor people? 4- is succession conditional in Sawm as Kaffarah for an oath?


A: If the condition of these orphans is as you mentioned, what you have done is sufficient as Kaffarah for breaking your oath, In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). It is worth mentioning that regarding Kaffarah for an oath, it is optional to feed poor people, clothe them, or free a believing slave and only in case of inability to do any of these, a person is to make Kaffarah by observing Sawm. Finally, the soundest opinion is that it is not obligatory to observe Sawm for the three days successively though doing so is better and safer.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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