Does Changing Madhhab Affect Kaffara Obligations?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

As a new Muslim, I initially followed the Maliki madhhab but now follow the Hanafi. During my first Ramadan as a Maliki, I broke about 10 fasts without a valid reason. I believe kaffara is due and want to fulfill it by fasting.

Should I follow Maliki or Hanafi rulings for kaffara? I’m especially concerned about differences in menstruation rulings, as a small mistake could invalidate the kaffara.

Answer

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

I hope you are in good health and faith. Thank you for your question.

You will follow the Maliki school of thought, as it was broken while you were following it. However, if you did not break the fast due to marital intimacy, then you may want to follow the Shafi and Hanbali schools.

The Shafi and Hanbali schools disagree and only necessitate kaffara for fasts that are broken due to sexual intercourse, so you may follow these schools and not perform the kaffara fast. [Ibn Qudama, al-Umda Fi al-Fiqh; Jaziri, al-Fiqh ‘ala Madhahib al-Arba‘a]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related: The Complete Guide to Fasting

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Currently, he resides in the UK with his wife and is interested in reading and gardening.