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How is feeding sixty poor people done in expiation for an oath and a vow? Is it permissible to give the value of the food in money? What is the amount of this money? And can it be given to "Rahman's tables" (charitable iftar meals)?

2 min readAlso available in العربية

The expiation for an oath is the freeing of a slave, or feeding ten needy persons from the average of what one feeds his family, or clothing them. The one performing the expiation has the choice among these three. If he is unable to do any of them, he must fast for three days, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: (Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for what you intended in your oaths. The expiation for this is feeding ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or freeing a slave. But whoever finds not [the means to do so] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. And guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful) [Al-Ma'idah: 89]. In our current era, where slaves are virtually non-existent, the choice is between feeding ten needy persons (by gathering them and feeding them or giving each one and a half kilograms of the staple food of the country) or clothing them (by giving each needy person a garment that covers his nakedness). If the one performing the expiation is unable to feed or clothe, he must fast for three days.

The expiation for a vow is similar to the expiation for an oath, except that it is only permissible if the person is unable to fulfill his vow and his vow was an act of obedience.

Donating to Rahman's tables in Ramadan can be sufficient for expiation if those who partake are needy and meet the required number. Money can also be given instead of food and clothing if the monetary value is more beneficial to the poor. This expiation is disbursed to the needy, and the value of the food or clothing varies according to the country and time.

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

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