How to Pay Kaffarah

Follow the Sequence

Most types of Kaffarah follow a specific hierarchy. You must follow the sequence in order. Only when you are genuinely unable to fulfill the higher obligation may you move to the next.

• First: Freeing a slave — not applicable today
• Second: Fasting for the prescribed number of days
• Third: Feeding the prescribed number of poor people — only when fasting is not possible

For Kaffarah Al-Yamin (broken oath), all three options are available as a choice. For Kaffarah for breaking a Ramadan fast and Zihar, they must be followed in order.

Who Should Receive the Feeding?

The recipients must be poor or needy Muslims — the same categories eligible for Zakat. A wealthy person cannot receive Kaffarah feeding.

What Counts as One Meal?

Scholars define one meal as a full, satisfying meal that adequately feeds one adult. This is typically calculated as the cash equivalent of one Sa' of a staple food — the same rate used for Fidyah and Fitrah.

Can One Person Receive Multiple Meals?

If your Kaffarah requires feeding 60 people, you must feed 60 different people. You cannot give 60 meals to one person and consider the obligation fulfilled. This is the position of the majority of scholars.

The Role of Intention

When paying Kaffarah, make a clear intention for which specific violation you are expiating. If you owe Kaffarah for multiple violations, keep them separate in your intention and ideally in your payment as well.

Kaffarah is Between You and Allah

Kaffarah is a private matter of the heart and of worship. You are not required to disclose the reason to anyone. Fulfilling it with sincerity is what matters. Do not let embarrassment delay you.

For rulings specific to your situation or madhab, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or your local Imam.