Does the expiation for an oath (kaffarat al-yameen) - whether fasting or feeding - vary according to the financial status of the one performing the expiation at the time it becomes due and at the time it is fulfilled? And is it obligatory to provide a side dish (idam) in the feeding expiation? And is it permissible to give the expiation for an oath to Zakat al-Fitr funds?

Scholars have differed regarding the timing of expiation (kaffarah) for one upon whom it is due: Is it at the time expiation becomes obligatory, or at the time of its performance?

First Opinion: What is considered is the time of obligation. This is the view of the Hanbalis and one of the opinions of Al-Shafi'i. So, if the mukallaf (accountable person) was in straitened circumstances at the time the expiation became obligatory, what is incumbent upon him is fasting. If he later becomes affluent, he is not required to switch to feeding. Second Opinion: What is considered is the time of performance. This is a narration from Ahmad and the view of Abu Hanifa and Malik, and this opinion is more cautious. So, if the mukallaf becomes affluent at the time of performance, nothing will suffice him but feeding.

If you choose the opinion of the Hanbalis, or wish to adopt the more cautious opinion, what is obligatory in feeding is to feed ten needy persons. It is permissible to appoint an agent to distribute it, provided you inform him that it is an expiation for an oath and that it is for ten persons. Merely placing it in a fund without giving ownership to ten persons is not sufficient according to the majority of scholars.