What is Kaffarah

Kaffarah means “what is paid to redress an imbalance or to compensate for commissioning a sinful act, i.e. a kind of punishment or penalty”.

1. Deliberate breaking of fasts during Ramadan

By Sexual relations

This is expiation due for deliberate breaking of the obligatory fasts in the month of Ramadan due to sexual relations with one’s spouse during whilst fasting.

In this case the expiation is severe: to free a slave. If that is not possible, then one must fast for two consecutive months; if he is not able to do that, then he must feed sixty poor people.

The Prophet (s) said:

“It makes no difference whether ejaculation occurred or not, so long as intercourse took place. If ejaculation occurred without intercourse no expiation is required, but one still incurs sin and must refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of the day, and must make up that fast.”

Humanity care relief can pay your kafarrah on your behalf at the cost of £4 per person. For example to feed 60 people that will be £240.

2. Kafaarat Yameen

It is making an oath by Allah intentionally whilst you know it is untrue.

Allah mentions this in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation (a deliberate oath) feed ten Masaakeen (poor persons), on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families, or clothe them or manumit a slave. But whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths when you have sworn. And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much). Thus Allah makes clear to you His Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) that you may be grateful.” [al-Maa’idah 5:89]

So the person has the choice of three things:

1 – Feeding 10 poor people with the same food that he feeds his family, by giving each person half a saa’ of the usual local staple, such as rice. This is equivalent to approximately 1.5kg. If rice is usually eaten with some kind of sauce then along with the rice he should give them some sauce or meat. If he gathers together 10 poor people and offers them lunch or dinner, this is sufficient.

Humanity care relief can do this on your behalf at the cost of £4 per person. For example to feed 10 people that will cost £40.

2 – Clothing ten poor people, which means giving each one clothing that is suitable for praying in. For example we would provide a man with a thobe or dishdasha or a lower garment and upper garment (izaar and rida’), and a woman a concealing dress and a head cover.

Humanity care relief can do this on your behalf at the cost of £15 per person. For example to clothe 10 people it will cost £150.

3 – Freeing a believing slave.

Unfortunately humanity care relief cannot provide this service.

Whoever cannot do any of the above should fast for three consecutive days.