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Understanding Kaffarah (Kaffara): The Islamic Atonement for Violating Sacred Obligations

Kaffarah, also known as Kaffara, is a significant concept in Islamic jurisprudence. Stemming from the Arabic root kaf • fa • ra, it translates to "atonement" or "expiation" and refers to a compensatory act required when certain sacred obligations are violated.

Kaffarah and Fidyah: Distinguishing Between Two Forms of Islamic Compensation

Kaffarah (Kaffara): A compensatory penalty for intentionally breaking specific sacred obligations, such as deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast.

Fidyah (or Fidya): A compensatory act or fee for not meeting a religious obligation due to valid reasons, such as illness preventing one from fasting.

Identifying Violations: When is Kaffarah (Kaffara) Required in Islam?

The Quran and Hadiths outline five primary violations necessitating Kaffarah (Kaffara):

  • Deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast.
  • Violating a sworn oath.
  • Transgressing the sacred rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Manslaughter, whether voluntary or involuntary.
  • Engaging in zihar, an archaic practice of estranging one's wife in a specific manner.

Defining Penalties: What Constitutes Kaffarah (Kaffara) in Different Violations?

The specific Kaffarah (Kaffara) varies based on the violation and the violator's circumstances. Commonly prescribed Kaffarah's (Kaffara) include:

  • Providing food for the needy.
  • Observing a specific number of fasts.
  • Certain violations allow for a choice between these penalties, while others enforce a sequential order based on the individual's capacity.

Calculating Kaffarah (Kaffara): Rates and Requirements for Specific Islamic Violations

Ramadan Fast Violation:

  • Fast for two continuous Islamic months, or
  • If not feasible, feed 60 needy individuals.

Breaking an Oath:

  • Choose to feed or clothe 10 needy individuals, or
  • If financially incapable, fast for three days.

Hajj Violations: The penalties vary, depending on the nature of the transgression. They can range from animal sacrifices, feeding the poor, to observing additional fasts.

How do I Pay Kaffarah (Kaffara) in Islam?

Kaffarah (Kaffara) payments, most commonly for fast and oath violations, can be complex due to their specific requirements. For those needing assistance, MAA International offers a dedicated Kaffarah (Kaffara) payment and distribution via our website.