Is a woman obligated to pay the expiation (kaffara) for adultery/fornication?
Chapter on Menstruation
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The woman involved in an act of adultery/fornication is obligated to pay the expiation. Imam Ahmad stated this concerning a woman who deceived her husband into the act, asserting that since the act necessitates expiation for the man (due to it being a coitus requiring kaffara), it must also be required of the consenting woman, analogous to the expiation for coitus during Ihram. Evidence is derived from the principle that any coitus necessitating expiation imposes it upon the woman who willingly participates, mirroring the ruling in the case of Ihram.
Supporting text
The view held by Al-Qadi suggests two possibilities regarding the woman's obligation. One view is that it is not obligatory because the religious ruling (wujub) must originate from the legislation (Shar'). Furthermore, if the woman was coerced or unaware, no expiation is due from her, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "My Ummah is pardoned for error, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do."