If a person begins an expiation by fasting due to inability to perform the higher requirements (manumission, feeding, or clothing), and then gains the ability to perform one of those higher requirements, must they revert to it?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
If one undertakes fasting as expiation due to being unable to perform manumission, feeding, or clothing, and subsequently acquires the means for one of those higher acts, there is no obligation to revert to the higher act once fasting has commenced. This view is narrated from Al-Hasan and Qatadah, and is the opinion of Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir.
Supporting text
A dissenting opinion, held by Al-Nakha'i, Al-Hakam, Al-Thawri, and the Ahl al-Ra'y (Hanafi school), asserts that reversion is obligatory because the person became capable of the principal act (al-mubaddal) before completing the substitute (al-badal), analogous to one who performs Tayammum regaining access to water before completing the prayer, thereby necessitating a resumption of the original purification.