Kaffarah - What You Owe and How to Pay It
Kaffarah is a debt owed to Allah. Aid For Mankind delivers it as meals to families who need them most - with a 100% donation policy.
- 100% Donation Policy
- Registered UK Charity No. 1202015
- Gift Aid Eligible
What is kaffarah?
Kaffarah means expiation - a payment set by Islamic law to make amends when certain obligations are broken. It is not ordinary charity and it is not zakat. It is a debt that stays owed until it is paid.
Kaffarah is owed all year round, not only in Ramadan. A broken oath in November carries the same duty as a broken fast in Ramadan.
Kaffarah for deliberately breaking a fast
Deliberately breaking an obligatory fast of Ramadan without a valid excuse requires either fasting sixty consecutive days, or - for those unable to fast them - feeding sixty people in need.
Kaffarah for a broken oath (kaffarah al-yamin)
The Qur'an sets out the expiation for a broken oath in Surah al-Ma'idah (5:89): feeding ten people in need at the standard of food you feed your own family, or clothing them, or freeing a slave. If none of these is possible, fasting three days.
Made a vow? Nadhr and mannat
A nadhr (in Urdu commonly called mannat) is a promise made to Allah - "if this happens, I will give". Once the thing happens, fulfilling the vow becomes obligatory.
If you vowed a specific act of charity, that specific act is what you owe. If you vowed charity without naming an amount, scholars advise giving what you sincerely intended.
If you vowed and cannot fulfil the exact vow, many scholars advise the expiation of a broken oath - feeding ten people. If you are unsure what you owe, speak to your local imam, then give here knowing 100% reaches those in need.
Kaffarah, fidya, sadaqah - which one do you owe?
Kaffarah
A set expiation for a broken fast or broken oath. Fixed amounts.
Fidya
For fasts missed due to long-term illness or old age, where the fast will not be made up. £5 per missed fast. See fidya rates →
Sadaqah
Voluntary charity, any amount, any time. About sadaqah →
Welcoming a new baby? Arrange their aqiqah →
Where your kaffarah goes
Aid For Mankind distributes kaffarah as food to families facing hunger in Gaza, Yemen, Uganda and Pakistan. We operate a 100% donation policy - every penny of your kaffarah is spent on those who qualify to receive it.
Kaffarah FAQs
Can I pay kaffarah in money instead of food?
AFM receives your payment in money and delivers it as actual meals to people in need, which satisfies the feeding requirement. You pay £300, sixty people eat.
Does kaffarah have to be paid immediately?
It remains owed until paid. Scholars advise settling it without delay - it is a debt, and delay adds nothing but risk.
Can I split kaffarah across several charities?
The feeding of sixty (or ten) people must be completed. Giving the full amount in one place is the safest way to be certain it is done properly.
I broke fasts years ago. Is kaffarah still owed?
Yes - it does not expire. Count the fasts as best you can and settle what you owe.
