What constitutes fulfilling an oath to eat one 'aklah' (portion of food)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
Fulfillment of an oath sworn by 'aklah' (with an open 'a' sound, meaning a meal/portion) requires eating what people generally consider one portion of food, which is one instance of eating. The oath is only fulfilled upon eating what is generally recognized as one 'aklah'. Scholars such as Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, Ibn al-Mundhir, and the Ashab al-Ra'y hold this view because the person has consumed the item sworn upon, if the specific item is identified, or if the entire quantity of food is consumed.
Supporting text
The term 'aklah' (with a raised 'u' sound) is interpreted as a mouthful or morsel, as referenced in the saying: 'Let him offer him a mouthful or two in his hand.' If the person eats something from the food, but remains doubtful whether the specific item sworn upon was consumed (leaving only one item remaining), the oath is not broken because certainty of marriage remains, and it is not removed by doubt. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i and the Ashab al-Ra'y in this specific scenario regarding doubt about consuming the specific item.