What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah (كفارة) means expiation or atonement — a specific act of worship required to compensate for breaking certain serious Islamic obligations. It is not a punishment but an act of mercy: a way for a Muslim to "wipe the slate clean" after a violation.
When is Kaffarah Required?
1. Intentionally Breaking the Fast in Ramadan
If a person intentionally breaks their Ramadan fast by eating, drinking, or engaging in marital relations (without a valid excuse), they must:
- Option 1: Free a slave (not applicable today)
- Option 2: Fast for 60 consecutive days
- Option 3: Feed 60 poor people one meal each
These are in order — you must take the first option available to you.
2. Breaking an Oath (Yamin)
If you swear by Allah to do something and then break the oath, Kaffarah is:
- Feed 10 poor people, or clothe 10 poor people, or free a slave — or if unable, fast 3 days
3. Zihar (a specific form of unlawful oath in marriage)
The same sequence as the Ramadan kaffarah: free a slave, then fast 60 days, then feed 60 people.
4. Accidental Killing
Free a slave, or if unable, fast 2 consecutive months.
Feeding 60 Poor People — What Counts?
Scholars differ slightly, but generally: provide one meal (or the equivalent food value) to 60 people in need, or give one day's food to one person 60 times. The food should be from the staple of your local community.
Calculate your Kaffarah: Open the Kaffarah Calculator →