What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah (كفارة) is a form of atonement or expiation prescribed in Islam to compensate for the violation of certain religious obligations. It is an act of worship through which a Muslim seeks to erase the sin and return to Allah in a state of purity. The word "Kaffarah" comes from the root *kaffara*, meaning "to cover" or "to atone" — it literally covers the sin with good deeds.
Unlike regular charity (Sadaqah), Kaffarah is a mandatory expiation for specific violations. It demonstrates Allah’s mercy by providing a clear path back to Him after a mistake. The Quran and Sunnah outline precise rules for when Kaffarah becomes obligatory and how to fulfill it.
When is Kaffarah Required?
There are four main situations where Kaffarah applies:
1. Deliberately Breaking a Ramadan Fast
If a person intentionally eats, drinks, or has marital relations during fasting hours in Ramadan without a valid excuse, they must perform Kaffarah in addition to making up the missed day (Qada).
Order of Kaffarah:
- Free a believing slave (not possible today in most places)
- Fast **60 consecutive days** without break
- If unable to fast 60 days, feed **60 poor people** one full meal each
2. Breaking an Oath (Yamin)
When you swear by Allah and then intentionally break it, Kaffarah is required. Examples: “By Allah, I will never do X” and then doing X.
Options:
- Feed 10 poor people
- Clothe 10 poor people
- Free a slave
- Fast 3 consecutive days (if unable to do the above)
3. Zihar (Unlawful Comparison of Wife)
A pre-Islamic practice where a husband says to his wife, “You are to me like my mother’s back.” This requires Kaffarah before the marriage can resume.
4. Accidental Killing of a Believer
In addition to blood money (Diyah), the person must free a slave or fast 60 consecutive days (Quran 4:92).
How to Calculate & Fulfill Kaffarah
Our free Kaffarah Calculator makes this process simple and accurate. It helps you determine:
- Which type of Kaffarah applies
- The exact number of people to feed or days to fast
- Estimated cost based on your local area
Feeding Poor People – Practical Guidelines
The most common form today is feeding 60 (or 10) poor people. The meal should be of average quality — similar to what you feed your own family. You can feed the same family multiple times or different people. Giving money to a trusted charity that distributes food is also acceptable according to many scholars.
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May Allah accept our repentance and expiations and forgive all our shortcomings. Ameen.