Choosing the Easier Option Without Reason
For Kaffarah types with a prescribed order, you cannot skip to the feeding option simply because it is more convenient. The sequence is mandatory — you must attempt the earlier option first.
4
Types of Kaffarah in Islam
60
Days Fasting — Ramadan Kaffarah
10
People to Feed — Oath Kaffarah
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The Basics
What Is Kaffarah? The Islamic Definition
Kaffarah comes from the Arabic root كَفَّرَ (kaffara) meaning to cover, conceal, or atone. In Islamic jurisprudence it refers to a specific act of expiation that a Muslim must perform to compensate for certain violations of religious obligations.
Unlike general repentance (Tawbah) which involves sincere regret and a firm commitment not to repeat the sin, Kaffarah is a legally prescribed act — it is not optional. Where Allah has defined a Kaffarah for a specific violation, that expiation must be performed as an act of worship and obedience.
The concept of Kaffarah reflects one of the most profound aspects of Islamic mercy — Allah has not left a Muslim in a state of sin without providing a defined path back. Whatever the violation, there is a prescribed remedy.
Kaffarah is not a licence to sin deliberately with the intention of paying it off afterward. Scholars are unanimous that Kaffarah performed for a deliberate violation committed with the intention of "just paying Kaffarah later" is not accepted and the sin remains.
Important: Kaffarah is an obligation, not a choice. If a Kaffarah is due upon you, performing Tawbah alone is not sufficient — the expiation must also be fulfilled.
وَلَكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا عَقَّدتُّمُ الْأَيْمَانَ ۖ فَكَفَّارَتُهُ إِطْعَامُ عَشَرَةِ مَسَاكِينَ مِنْ أَوْسَطِ مَا تُطْعِمُونَ أَهْلِيكُمْ
"But He will impose blame upon you for what oaths you have taken in earnest. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of what you feed your own families..."
— Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:89
Kaffarah vs Tawbah: Both are required when a Kaffarah-triggering violation occurs. Tawbah covers the spiritual dimension. Kaffarah fulfils the legal obligation. Neither replaces the other.
Complete Guide
The 4 Types of Kaffarah in Islam
Each type has a different trigger, different conditions, and a different order of expiation. Understanding which applies to you is essential before you begin.
1
Kaffarah al-Yameen — Broken Oath
Triggered by: Breaking a sworn oath made in the name of Allah. For example: "Wallahi I will do X" — then not doing it.
Quranic basis: Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:89
Choose any one of these three:
1Feed 10 poor people — one proper meal each
— OR —
2Clothe 10 poor people — one set of clothing each
— OR —
3Free one slave (not applicable today)
If none of the above is possible: fast for 3 consecutive days.
2
Kaffarah al-Iftar — Breaking Ramadan Fast
Triggered by: Intentionally breaking the Ramadan fast without a valid excuse — through eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse after Fajr and before Maghrib.
Hadith basis: Sahih al-Bukhari 6087
Must follow this order — cannot skip:
1Free a slave — (not applicable today, proceed to 2)
— THEN IF UNABLE —
2Fast for 60 consecutive days without interruption
— THEN IF UNABLE —
3Feed 60 poor people — one full meal each
This is the most severe Kaffarah. The sequence is mandatory — you cannot choose the easier option if capable of the earlier one.
3
Kaffarah al-Zihar — Wrongful Comparison
Triggered by: A husband saying to his wife "You are to me like my mother's back" — a pre-Islamic form of divorce forbidden in Islam. If he then wishes to return to his wife, Kaffarah must be performed first.
Quranic basis: Surah Al-Mujadila 58:3-4
Must follow this order:
1Free a slave before resuming the marriage
— THEN IF UNABLE —
2Fast for 60 consecutive days
— THEN IF UNABLE —
3Feed 60 poor people
The Kaffarah must be completed before the marriage resumes. Consult a scholar immediately if this applies.
4
Kaffarah al-Qatl — Accidental Killing
Triggered by: The unintentional killing of a Muslim — for example in a road accident or any situation where death was not intended.
Quranic basis: Surah An-Nisa 4:92
Must follow this order:
1Free a believing slave (not applicable today)
— THEN IF UNABLE —
2Fast for 60 consecutive days
Note: This Kaffarah does not remove the obligation of blood money (Diyyah) which must also be paid to the family. Both are separately obligatory. Consult a scholar urgently.
Step by Step
How to Fulfil Your Kaffarah Correctly
The method of fulfilling Kaffarah matters as much as the act itself. Follow these steps to ensure your expiation is valid.
1
Identify Your Kaffarah Type
Determine which of the four types applies. Each has different conditions and a different order of expiation. If unsure, consult a scholar before proceeding.
2
Follow the Correct Order
For Kaffarah al-Iftar, Zihar, and Qatl — options must be followed in sequence. You cannot choose an easier option if you are capable of the first.
3
Make Your Intention
Before beginning the expiation, make a clear intention (Niyyah) that this act is your Kaffarah for the specific violation. Intention is essential for the expiation to be valid.
4
Fulfil Without Interruption
For consecutive fasting, a deliberate missed day invalidates the entire count and you must restart. For feeding, ensure food reaches each recipient properly.
Can I pay Kaffarah in money? For the feeding option of Kaffarah al-Yameen (10 people) and Kaffarah al-Iftar (60 people), many scholars permit paying the monetary equivalent of food. However the amount per person must equal the cost of one proper meal in your area. Consult a scholar to calculate the correct amount for your country.
Quick Reference
Kaffarah Summary Table
All four types at a glance — violation, expiation options, and sequence.
| Type | Violation | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaffarah al-Yameen | Breaking a sworn oath | Feed 10 poor people | Clothe 10 poor people | Fast 3 days (if unable) |
| Kaffarah al-Iftar | Intentionally breaking Ramadan fast | Free a slave (N/A) | Fast 60 consecutive days | Feed 60 poor people |
| Kaffarah al-Zihar | Husband's wrongful comparison of wife | Free a slave (N/A) | Fast 60 consecutive days | Feed 60 poor people |
| Kaffarah al-Qatl | Accidental killing of a Muslim | Free a slave (N/A) | Fast 60 consecutive days | No third option |
Note on freeing a slave: Since slavery no longer exists in any legal form, the first option in Kaffarah al-Iftar, Zihar, and Qatl is inapplicable today. All scholars agree you proceed directly to fasting 60 consecutive days in the modern context.
Practical Tool
Kaffarah Calculator
Enter your situation below to get a structured estimate of your Kaffarah obligation. This tool reflects authenticated fiqh rulings and clearly notes where madhab differences apply.
Your Situation
Choose the category that matches your situation. Fields update automatically.
Count only valid oaths made in the name of Allah (Wallahi / Billahi / Tallahi).
Fasting 3 days is only valid if feeding and clothing are genuinely not possible.
Madhab difference: Hanafi requires full Kaffarah for intentional eating, drinking, OR intercourse. Shafi requires Kaffarah only for intercourse. Select your school below.
A separate Kaffarah is required for each intentionally broken fast. Include fasts from past years if not yet fulfilled.
You must attempt fasting 60 days first. Feeding 60 is only valid if consecutive fasting is genuinely not possible.
Minimum: cost of one proper meal in your area.
Minimum is half a Sa'a of wheat or its monetary equivalent. In India this is approximately ₹80–₹130 per fast. Confirm the local rate with a scholar or charity.
Zihar is a serious marital ruling. The Kaffarah must be completed before the marriage resumes. Consult a scholar immediately alongside using this calculator.
Since freeing a slave is not possible today, you begin at fasting 60 consecutive days. Feeding 60 people is only valid if fasting is genuinely not possible.
Your Result
This calculator gives a structured estimate based on authenticated fiqh rulings. It is a guidance tool only. For a final ruling specific to your situation, consult Mufti Hasan directly.
Select your case and click Calculate to see your obligation.
Remember: Kaffarah fulfils the legal obligation. Sincere Tawbah (repentance) is also required for the sin to be fully forgiven before Allah. Both must be done together.
Know the Difference
Kaffarah vs Fidya — What Is the Difference?
These two terms are frequently confused by Muslims. They are completely separate obligations with different triggers, different amounts, and different conditions. Using one in place of the other does not fulfil the obligation.
| Point of Difference | Kaffarah | Fidya |
|---|---|---|
| What triggers it | An intentional violation of a religious obligation | A genuine inability to fulfil a religious obligation |
| Example situation | Deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast without excuse | An elderly person who cannot fast at all due to age |
| Who it applies to | Anyone who commits a defined violation | Elderly, chronically ill, or those unable to make up missed fasts |
| Amount for one fast | 60 days fasting OR feeding 60 people | Feeding one poor person per missed fast day |
| Can money be paid | Only for the feeding option, not to replace fasting | Yes, the monetary equivalent of one meal per day |
| Is Tawbah also required | Yes, alongside the expiation | Not a sin so no Tawbah required |
| Severity | Heavy obligation, requires significant effort | A concession granted by Allah out of mercy |
| Can they replace each other | No. They are completely separate obligations and cannot be substituted. | |
When Kaffarah Applies
Kaffarah is for a Muslim who had the ability to fulfil an obligation but chose not to, or who violated a specific ruling. It is an act of expiation for a deliberate wrong. The obligation is heavy because the sin was deliberate.
Examples: intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast, breaking a sworn oath, Zihar, accidental killing.
When Fidya Applies
Fidya is a concession from Allah for those who genuinely cannot fulfil the obligation through no fault of their own. There is no sin involved and therefore no Tawbah is required. It is an act of worship, not punishment.
Examples: an elderly person unable to fast, someone with a permanent illness that prevents fasting, a pregnant or nursing woman in specific circumstances.
A common mistake: Some Muslims who intentionally break fasts pay Fidya thinking it is sufficient. It is not. Fidya only applies to those who genuinely cannot fast. If you were physically capable of fasting and broke it deliberately, Kaffarah al-Iftar applies and Fidya does not fulfil that obligation. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, consult a scholar before paying anything.
Avoid These Errors
Common Mistakes Muslims Make With Kaffarah
Many Muslims either delay Kaffarah, calculate it incorrectly, or fulfil it in an invalid way. These are the most important errors to avoid.
Delaying Kaffarah Indefinitely
Kaffarah remains an obligation until fulfilled. There is no expiry date but there is also no valid reason to delay. The longer it is postponed, the greater the burden. Fulfil it as soon as possible.
Breaking the Consecutive Fast Count
For Kaffarah requiring 60 consecutive days of fasting, a single deliberate missed day invalidates the entire count and you must restart from day one. Plan carefully before beginning.
Undercalculating the Food Amount
When paying monetary Kaffarah, the amount per person must equal the cost of one proper meal in your area. Paying a token amount does not fulfil the obligation. Consult a scholar for correct calculation.
Confusing Kaffarah With Fidyah
Fidyah compensates for missed fasts that genuinely cannot be made up — for the elderly or chronically ill. Kaffarah is for intentional violations. They have different conditions and cannot be substituted.
Thinking Kaffarah Removes All Sin
Kaffarah fulfils the legal obligation of expiation, but sincere Tawbah is also required for the sin to be fully forgiven before Allah. Both must be performed — they are not alternatives.
Personal Guidance
Get Personal Kaffarah Guidance From Mufti Hasan
Every Kaffarah situation has specific details that affect the ruling. Speak directly with a certified scholar for guidance tailored to your exact circumstances.
Mufti Hasan
Senior Islamic Scholar — Fiqh & Personal Islamic Guidance
Mufti Hasan holds formal certification in Islamic jurisprudence (Ifta) from both Al-Azhar University in Cairo and Darul Uloom Deoband. Kaffarah rulings require precise application of fiqh — situations differ, and the same act can carry different obligations depending on circumstances, intention, and capability.
If you are unsure whether Kaffarah applies to your situation, which type is required, or how to calculate and fulfil it correctly — speak to Mufti Hasan directly. He will assess your specific situation and provide a clear, actionable ruling based on authenticated Islamic sources.
All consultations are completely confidential. No judgment. The guidance you receive is specific to you — not generic text copied from a website.
Contact directly: +44 7503 696292 | WhatsApp
Common Questions
Kaffarah — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kaffarah and Fidyah?
Kaffarah is expiation for an intentional violation — such as breaking an oath, intentionally breaking a Ramadan fast, or Zihar. Fidyah is compensation for missed fasts that genuinely cannot be made up — for example due to old age or chronic illness. Kaffarah is generally heavier and more demanding. They cannot be substituted for one another.
Does Kaffarah apply if I broke my fast accidentally?
No. Kaffarah al-Iftar only applies when the fast is broken intentionally and without a valid excuse. If you accidentally ate or drank while fasting — for example, forgetting you were fasting — your fast remains valid according to most scholars and no Kaffarah is required. You simply continue your fast.
How much is Kaffarah for breaking a Ramadan fast in the UK?
If paying the monetary equivalent of feeding 60 poor people, the amount per person should equal the cost of one proper meal in your country. In the UK this is typically calculated at around £5–£10 per person, meaning the total Kaffarah would be £300–£600. Confirm the current recommended amount with a UK-based Islamic charity or scholar. Note that fasting 60 consecutive days is the option that must be attempted first if you are physically capable.
Can I give Kaffarah money to one person instead of 10 or 60 different people?
The majority view among Hanafi scholars is that food or money must be distributed to 10 separate individuals (for Kaffarah al-Yameen) or 60 separate individuals (for Kaffarah al-Iftar). Giving the entire amount to one person does not fulfil the obligation according to this view, even if the total monetary amount is equivalent. Different madhabs have slightly different rulings on this — consult a scholar about your specific school of thought.
If I broke multiple Ramadan fasts, is there a separate Kaffarah for each one?
Yes, according to the majority of scholars, a separate Kaffarah is required for each intentionally broken fast. If you broke three Ramadan fasts across different years, three separate Kaffarahs are due. Consult a scholar to ensure your obligations are correctly identified and calculated.
Does Kaffarah apply if I broke a promise that was not a sworn oath?
Kaffarah al-Yameen only applies to a formal sworn oath made specifically in the name of Allah (e.g. "Wallahi I will do X"). Breaking a regular promise without swearing by Allah does not trigger Kaffarah, though it is sinful and requires Tawbah. If you are unsure whether your oath qualifies, consult a scholar.
Can a woman fulfil Kaffarah fasting while she has menstruation?
A woman cannot fast during menstruation. However, for Kaffarah requiring consecutive fasting (60 days), the majority of scholars hold that menstruation does not break the consecutive count since it is an involuntary interruption beyond her control. She resumes fasting after her period ends and the count continues. This differs from a deliberate missed day, which would require restarting.
Where can I pay Kaffarah online?
Many established Islamic charities accept Kaffarah payments and distribute food to those in need on your behalf. In the UK, organisations such as Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, and Human Appeal offer this service. Before paying, ensure the charity specifies that they distribute actual food or meals — not just monetary aid — so the Kaffarah is properly fulfilled. Make your Niyyah clearly when making the payment. Contact us if you need guidance on which charity to use.
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