As Muslims, we are certainly familiar with the term kaffara. Kaffara is derived from the word kafr, which means to cover, in the sense of covering sins or repenting for violations of Islamic law. According to Lisan al-‘Arab, kaffara is an effort to erase or cover sins by performing charity, fasting, or the like.
A contemporary Islamic jurisprudence scholar, Wahbah Zuhaili, explains that kaffara is divided into four parts. These include kaffara for zihar (a form of divorce), unintentional killing, having sexual intercourse during the day intentionally in Ramadan, and breaking an oath.
The Quran, in Surah Al-Ma’idah verse 89, serves as the legal basis for kaffara. Here is the translation of the verse:
“Allah will not hold you responsible for your unintentional oaths, but He will hold you responsible for your deliberate oaths. The expiation for breaking such an oath is to feed ten needy people with an average of what you feed your families, or to clothe them, or to free a slave. Whoever cannot afford that must fast for three days. This is the expiation for your oaths when you swear. Keep your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear His laws to you, that you may be grateful.” (QS. Al-Ma’idah: 89)
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Here is an explanation of the four types of kaffara along with the ways to atone for them:
Kaffara for Zihar
Kaffara for zihar addresses the sin of a husband equating his wife to his mother. This means to value one’s spouse without comparing her to one’s mother. This sin can be atoned for by freeing a Muslim female slave. If one is unable, then fasting for two consecutive months is required. If still unable, then providing food for 60 needy people is the next option.
This type of kaffara is based on the following verse:
“Those among you who declare zihar against their wives – they are not their mothers. Their mothers are only those who gave birth to them. And indeed, they utter an objectionable statement and a lie. And indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving.” (QS. Al-Mujadilah (58): 2)
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Kaffara for Unintentional Killing
Kaffara for unintentional killing can be atoned for by freeing a Muslim female slave. If one is unable, then fasting for two consecutive months is required. The basis for this kaffara is as follows:
“It is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. Whoever kills a believer by mistake must free a believing slave and pay compensation to the deceased’s family, unless they choose to forgive. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you and was a believer, then freeing a believing slave is required. If the deceased belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed. Whoever cannot find one must fast for two months consecutively as a means of repentance to Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.” (QS. An-Nisa (4): 92)
Kaffara for Intentional Intercourse During Ramadan
Having sexual intercourse during the daylight hours of Ramadan is prohibited for married couples. If this prohibition is violated, a kaffara must be fulfilled by freeing a Muslim female slave. If one is unable, then fasting for two consecutive months is mandatory.
Abu Huraira reported that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said, “I am doomed! I had intercourse with my wife in Ramadan (during the day).” The Prophet said, “Free a slave.” The man said, “I cannot afford that.” The Prophet then said, “Fast for two consecutive months.” The man replied, “I cannot do that.” The Prophet then said, “Feed sixty needy people.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)
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In the Shafi’i school of thought, the husband is obligated to pay the kaffara, and the wife is not. If the wife is able, she may perform qada (make-up) fasting as a form of repentance. According to the Maliki and Hanafi schools, if both the husband and wife engage in intercourse voluntarily, both are obligated to pay the kaffara.
Kaffara can be performed by freeing a slave or, more simply, by fasting for two consecutive months. If unable, one can provide staple food amounting to 1 mud (approximately 750 grams) to each of 60 needy people. In this regard, some organizations can assist someone in paying their kaffara, one of which is Dompet Dhuafa.
Kaffara for Oath or Vow
Kaffara for breaking an oath or making a false oath is to feed ten needy people with the same food one usually feeds their family, or to clothe them, or to free a slave. If unable, then one must fast for three consecutive days. The legal basis for kaffara for an oath is as follows:
“Allah will not hold you responsible for your unintentional oaths, but He will hold you responsible for your deliberate oaths. The expiation for breaking such an oath is to feed ten needy people with an average of what you feed your families, or to clothe them, or to free a slave. Whoever cannot afford that must fast for three days. This is the expiation for your oaths when you swear. Keep your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear His laws to you, that you may be grateful.” (Q.S Al-Maidah verse 89)
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When is the right time to pay the kaffara fine?
The kaffara fine should be paid before the next Ramadan arrives. The maximum deadline is the end of Sha’ban, or within 11 months.
Can the payment of kaffara be installment?
The fine can be paid in installments. The method of feeding 60 needy people can be spread out according to one’s ability. It is important to note that the kaffara must be distributed to 60 different individuals.
Is it permissible to pay the kaffara fine to non-Muslims?
Like zakat, kaffara is obligatory, and the majority of scholars prohibit the distribution of kaffara to non-Muslims.
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Intention for Kaffara Fasting
If you wish to fulfill the fine by fasting, here is the intention:
Nawaitu sauma gadin likaffarin lillahi ta’ala
“I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of kaffara (mention the specific kaffara) for the sake of Allah the Almighty.”
Thus, here are the ins and outs of kaffara, from its types to the methods of payment. With Ramadan approaching, don’t forget to fulfill it. Consult with Dompet Dhuafa to find out the exact amount of kaffara you need to pay.