If a person breaks an oath and is required to offer kaffarah but is unable to financially afford feeding the poor, is it permissible to use money earned from unlawful sources to fulfil the kaffarah? Is it valid to feed the required number of people on separate days rather than all at once? If neither option is possible, is fasting for three days an acceptable alternative?
In Short: If a person cannot afford Kaffarah (expiation) for a broken oath, Islam requires sincere effort to fulfil it through lawful means, even if done gradually. Haram wealth cannot be used for worship but must be disposed of properly without seeking reward. Fasting is only permitted as a substitute when one genuinely lacks the financial ability to feed or clothe the poor.
Islam connects wealth to worship, emphasising the importance of how we earn and spend money. Earnings from haram sources, such as Riba (interest) or fraud, are not lawful for personal use or for funding acts of worship.
In genuine hardship, if no immediate halal alternative exists, one may utilise only what is necessary for basic needs while actively seeking lawful income.
To cleanse tainted wealth, individuals should give away an equivalent amount to the poor without expecting any reward. This act serves as a means of repentance rather than charity. Esteemed scholars have supported this practice.
If it is difficult to fulfil an obligation all at once—such as feeding the poor for expiation or repaying a debt—payments may be made in instalments. Gradual fulfilment is valid and rewarded, as stated: “Give according to your means.” Continue to give steadily and sincerely until the obligation is met.
Fasting cannot serve as a substitute for financial obligations, such as Zakah, or for necessary feeding if you can pay. Fasting is only a substitute in specific cases of Kaffarahs when you genuinely cannot afford the required feeding or clothing. Otherwise, voluntary fasting is intended for spiritual growth, not as a replacement for monetary responsibilities.
In summary, strive for halal earnings, eliminate any haram proceeds, fulfil your obligations—even if gradually—and use fasting to strengthen your spirit, not to evade payments. “Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (At-Talaq 65:2–3)
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