If one misses many vowed fasting days, is a single expiation (Kaffarah) sufficient for all missed days?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
A single expiation is obligatory for all missed days if the individual has not yet made up the missed fasts. If the person makes the expiation and subsequently misses more fasts, a second expiation becomes obligatory. This is stated by Ahmad, who ruled that if one was sick, made the first expiation, and then broke the fast again, a second expiation is due.
Supporting text
It can be argued that only one expiation is ever required for a vow, similar to an oath (Yamin), where one expiation suffices. Since the vow resembles the oath in requiring expiation, and the oath does not necessitate multiple expiations, upon making one expiation for the missed fasts, no further expiation should be required for subsequent misses. Following this line of reasoning, if one makes an expiation and then misses more, the subsequent missed fasts must be made up without a second expiation, as the imposition of a second expiation lacks explicit textual basis (Nass), consensus (Ijmāʿ), or sound analogy (Qiyās).