Is it permissible for a seeker of knowledge to fast as expiation for oaths he has broken, or is he obligated to feed ten poor people for them, knowing that he does not possess any money other than what he saves for buying books of knowledge? Is continuity of fasting a condition for expiation? And can he fast only on Mondays and Thursdays? What is the ruling concerning one who dies before completing the expiatory fasts?

It is not permissible to transition to fasting as expiation for an oath except when one is unable to feed ten poor persons, or clothe them, or free a slave. The continuity of fasting for the three days is not obligatory, according to the more preponderant opinion, but it is preferable. It is permissible to fast for more than one expiation over periods, and it is permissible to fast the days of expiation with the intention of fulfilling the obligation if they coincide with recommended days. A poor person is considered to be one who does not possess what suffices for his sustenance and the sustenance of his dependents for his day and night.