Kaffarah (also spelled Kaffara) refers to a form of compensation in Islam for serious violations. If a person knowingly commits specific actions without a valid reason, they are required to pay Kaffarah, as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Understanding when and how to pay Kaffarah is essential for ensuring that your acts of repentance are fulfilled properly.
What Requires Kaffarah in Islam?
There are five main situations that require a Muslim to pay Kaffarah:
- Deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan (without valid excuse)
- Breaking a sworn oath
- Violating sacred rites during Hajj
- Committing manslaughter (intentional or accidental)
- Practicing zihar, a specific type of utterance in marriage which leads to estrangement
Each of these actions carries a specific form of expiation, and feeding the poor is a common method of fulfilling Kaffarah.
How Much is Kaffarah?
At MAA, we make it easy for you to fulfill your Kaffarah obligation. We distribute meals on your behalf in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
Kaffarah Per Day of Fasting Broken in Ramadan:
- Feed 60 people, with two meals each, OR
- Feed 120 people with one meal each
Total: AU$360
Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath:
- Feed 10 people, with two meals each, OR
- Feed 20 people with one meal each
Total: AU$60
Fedyah vs Kaffarah: What’s the Difference?
| Fidya (Fedyah) | Kaffarah |
|---|---|
| For missed fasts with valid reason | For intentionally broken fasts |
| Feed 1 person per missed fast | Feed 60 people per broken fast |
| Can be paid for illness, old age etc. | Paid for breaking a fast or an oath |
You can fulfil your Kaffarah through MAA by donating online. We ensure your expiation is delivered correctly to those in need.
