The concept of expiation and its types
Charity expiation (Kaffarah) is considered one of the most beautiful means of atoning for sins and purifying the soul, guiding servants of Allah back to the righteous path and correcting behavior. What could be more beautiful than this divine mercy that compensates for shortcomings in acts of worship, away from severe punishment on the Day of Judgment, through sincere repentance that purifies hearts and strengthens the servant’s relationship with their Lord.
Therefore, in today’s article, we present a comprehensive guide to learn about the types of Kaffarah in Islam, the wisdom behind its legislation, and how to donate your Kaffarah to Jerusalem through the trusted Al-Wafaa Charity.
Table of Contents
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is any act prescribed by Islamic law to cover a specific sin or to compensate for negligence in performing an act of worship. Kaffarah varies depending on the sin and often involves feeding the poor and needy, fasting, or freeing a slave.
Islam legislated Kaffarah as a means of returning the soul to righteousness by covering the sin and repenting sincerely to Allah.
Definition of Kaffarah Linguistically and Terminologically
The word Kaffarah is derived from “kafara,” meaning to cover or conceal. Here it refers to covering the bad deed and erasing its traces as a form of mercy and forgiveness from Allah.
It is called Kaffarah because it expiates the sin committed by a Muslim, causing its effects to be erased.
The Wisdom Behind Kaffarah
There is great wisdom behind the legislation of Kaffarah in Islam, including:
Atoning for sins and erasing wrongdoing to purify believers from sins and return them to Allah with pure hearts.
Reminding Muslims of Allah’s punishment, acting as a deterrent against committing sins.
Emphasizing adherence to Allah’s commands and Islamic rulings.
Purifying and reforming the soul to become more upright.
Eliminating stinginess by encouraging spending on the poor and needy.
Strengthening social solidarity and fostering love and compassion within society.
Completing shortcomings in acts of worship with the intention of reform.
Difference Between Kaffarah and Fidya
The difference between Kaffarah and Fidya can be clarified as follows:
Kaffarah
Reason: Committing a sin or violating Islamic law.
Example: Deliberately breaking the fast in Ramadan, accidental killing, or breaking an oath.
Purpose: Covering and expiating the sin.
Amount: Fasting two consecutive months or feeding 60 poor people.
Fidya
Obligated when one is unable to perform acts of worship due to a permanent excuse such as old age or chronic illness.
For inability to fast, Fidya is feeding one poor person for each missed day.
Purpose: A substitute for worship due to incapacity.
Types of Kaffarah
Kaffarah has several types depending on the sin committed, including:
Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath
Feeding ten poor people.
Clothing ten poor people.
Freeing a slave.
If unable, fasting three days.
Kaffarah for Zihar
Freeing a believing slave.
Fasting two consecutive months.
Feeding sixty poor people.
Kaffarah for Breaking the Fast in Ramadan
If due to intercourse: freeing a slave, fasting two months, or feeding sixty poor people.
For valid excuses: making up missed days, and feeding one poor person if delayed.
Kaffarah for Accidental Killing
Freeing a believing slave.
Fasting two consecutive months.
Feeding sixty poor people if unable.
Paying blood money to the family of the deceased.
Kaffarah for Breaking a Vow
Feeding ten poor people.
Clothing ten poor people.
Freeing a slave.
Fasting three days if unable.
Kaffarah for Ihram Violations
Sacrificing a sheep.
Feeding six poor people.
Fasting three days.
Donate Your Kaffarah to Jerusalem
You can donate your Kaffarah to Jerusalem and earn greater reward by supporting trusted charitable organizations such as Al-Wafaa Charity, which provides aid to poor and needy families in Jerusalem.
How to Donate Kaffarah to Jerusalem Through Al-Wafaa
You can donate online through elvefa.org by selecting the Kaffarah amount, and the association will distribute it to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to give Kaffarah in cash?
Yes, it is permissible if it serves the interest of the poor.
Can Kaffarah be given to charities?
Yes, if the charity is trustworthy and delivers it to eligible recipients.
Who is eligible to receive Kaffarah?
The poor, needy, relatives, and charitable organizations.
Can Kaffarah be given to one person?
Yes, if the person is in severe need.
