Kaffarah refers to an expiation or atonement required in Islam to make amends for certain violations or sins, particularly those involving fasting, oaths, or accidentally killing a believer. Its purpose is to compensate for specific wrongdoings and seek spiritual purification by performing prescribed acts of penance.
Here are some key aspects of Kaffarah:
- Fasting Violations:
- Breaking a Fast During Ramadan: Kaffarah applies if a person deliberately breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason (such as illness or travel). The expiation involves fasting for 60 consecutive days. If unable to do so, the person must feed 60 needy people for each day of fasting broken.
- Broken Oaths (Yamin):
- Nature of Oaths: An oath in Islam is a solemn promise made by calling upon Allah as a witness. Breaking an oath requires expiation to nullify the incurred obligation.
- Expiation for Oaths: The prescribed Kaffarah for breaking an oath involves one of the following: feeding ten needy people two average meals each, clothing ten needy people, freeing a slave, or fasting for three consecutive days if one is unable to do the former.
- Accidental Killing:
- Expiation of Manslaughter: In cases of unintentional killing of a believer, Kaffarah involves freeing a believer from slavery (if applicable and possible) and providing compensation (diyah, or blood money) to the family of the deceased. If unable to free a slave, the expiation requires fasting for two consecutive months.
- Underlying Intent and Repentance:
- The purpose of Kaffarah is not only to atone for the particular wrongdoing but to cultivate a sense of responsibility, repentance, and commitment to avoiding such lapses in the future. It serves as both a corrective and spiritual measure reinforcing ethical behavior.
- Charitable Aspect: Many forms of Kaffarah involve acts of charity, such as feeding or clothing people in need. This element emphasizes the importance of generosity and social responsibility in Islamic ethics by transforming personal accountability into an opportunity to support the community.
- Personal Assessment: It is up to the individual to honestly assess their situation and choose the most appropriate form of expiation given their circumstances. Where possible, consulting with knowledgeable religious scholars can help ensure compliance with Islamic requirements.
Kaffarah exemplifies the broader Islamic principles of accountability, personal responsibility, and the opportunity for spiritual redemption through tangible acts that reflect core religious values and social consciousness.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.