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Is it permissible to switch from fasting for two consecutive months as expiation for unintentional killing to feeding sixty poor people, and what is the ruling on masturbating while observing an obligatory fast?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The command for one's family to fast for two consecutive months is what Allah has enjoined as expiation for unintentional killing for those who cannot find a slave to free. If the fast is broken without a valid excuse, it must be resumed. Masturbation (self-abuse) is a reprehensible and forbidden excuse, and it invalidates an obligatory fast according to the majority of scholars. One who has begun a expiatory fast is not permitted to break it; rather, he is obligated to complete it. It is necessary to repent from this sin and to fast the two consecutive months with sincere intention and strong resolve, seeking assistance from Allah. Scholars have differed regarding whether feeding the poor is sufficient for one who is unable to fast the expiatory fast for killing, but this applies to someone who has a valid excuse, and the questioner is not excused.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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