How is the option of feeding the poor executed when choosing this form of expiation?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
When choosing to feed the poor, the equivalent animal is first assessed for its monetary value in Dirhams, and these Dirhams are then converted into food to be distributed to the poor. This position is held by Al-Shafi'i. The food distributed should be the standard measure used for *Ṣadaqat al-Fiṭr* and the expiation for false oaths. For wheat, the measure is one *Mudd* per poor person, and for other staples (like barley, dates, or raisins), the measure is half a *Ṣāʿ* per poor person. It is not permissible to give the value in Dirhams directly, as the options listed in the verse do not include cash value.
Supporting text
Malik argues that the hunted animal itself should be valued, not its equivalent, reasoning that valuation applies to the damaged item when its equivalent cannot be obtained, similar to items without equivalents. It is impermissible to distribute the value of the animal to the poor residing outside the Haram, as the required value is intended as a substitution for the *Hady* meant for the Haram poor.