Is it permissible to gather the required number of poor people and feed them all at once for expiation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
It is permissible to gather the required number of poor people and feed them together in one sitting. This is supported by the narration concerning a man who was to perform expiation for joining sexual relations during the day in Ramadan (qada') and who was instructed by the Imam to gather sixty poor people and feed them until they were satisfied, based on the Prophet's instruction to the one who committed the major sin ('afflict sixty poor people'). Furthermore, the Quran mandates feeding sixty poor people in expiation for breaking a fast during Ramadan (Quran 58:4). In the case of an oath expiation, the requirement is feeding ten poor people with the average quality of food given to one's family (Quran 5:89). The precedent of Anas, who gathered the poor and fed them when he missed fasts in Ramadan, supports this practice. As they were fed, it suffices, similar to transferring possession.
Supporting text
If the amount fed to the gathered poor equals the total due amount, it suffices. If the total amount fed is less than the total due amount but satisfies them, the apparent position of the Imam suggests it suffices, though it is also possible that it does not suffice because the exact due amount was not given to them collectively.