Is the expiation (Kaffarah) waived if a person is incapable of freeing a slave, fasting, or feeding the poor?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
The expiation is waived for the one who is incapable of freeing a slave, fasting, or feeding the poor, according to one narration. This is supported by the Prophet's instruction to the Bedouin who, upon receiving dates and stating his need, was told to feed his family, and no other expiation was commanded of him. This is the view of Al-Awza'i.
Supporting text
Al-Zuhri holds that expiation is obligatory. He argues that the Bedouin's case was specific to him, citing that the individual informed the Prophet of his inability before receiving the dates, yet the expiation was not waived then. Furthermore, since the expiation is obligatory, inability to fulfill it does not negate the obligation, similar to other expiations. This constitutes a second narration from Ahmad and is the reasoning of Abu Hanifa, Al-Thawri, and Abu Thawr. Al-Shafi'i holds both views.