What is the condition for being considered as one who 'does not find' the means for expiation, thus permitting fasting for the expiation of an oath?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
The expiation for an oath combines choice and sequence. One has the choice between the three established means (feeding, clothing, or freeing a slave). If one cannot fulfill these, one moves to the alternative of fasting for three days. It is required that the person does not possess wealth beyond their own sustenance and the sustenance of their dependents for that day and night, which is sufficient for the expiation. This view is held by Ishaq, Abu Ubaid, and Ibn al-Mundhir.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds that whoever is eligible to receive Zakat due to need and poverty may fast for expiation because they are considered poor. Al-Nakha'i stated that one owning twenty dirhams has the option of fasting. 'Ata al-Khorasani stated that one who owns twenty dirhams may not fast, but one owning less than that may fast. Sa'id ibn Jubayr held that if one only possesses three dirhams, that suffices for expiation. Al-Hasan stated that two dirhams suffice. These latter two opinions align with the view that fasting is permitted when minimal wealth is possessed.