Does Financial Dependence Affect Paying Expiation (Kaffara) of Oaths?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

I broke an oath to Allah and am financially dependent on my parents, but I have 5000 rupees as a gift. Can I use it for kaffara or fast for three days instead?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Please consult this answer for the details and proofs regarding expiations of oaths.

If you received 5000 rupees as a gift, you can use it for the expiation if it is enough to feed ten poor people, each receiving a mudd (about 0.51 liters) of food or its equivalent. If the amount is not enough to do so, then you may fast for three days as an alternative.

Your financial dependence on your parents does not prevent you from using the gift for this purpose; it is at your disposal. Fasting for three days is the correct option only if you cannot feed the poor.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.