Is it permissible to use foods other than wheat, barley, dates, or raisins for expiation feeding?

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Al-Qadi ruled that other items are not permissible because the Hadith specified these types, and they are the same category used for Zakat al-Fitr, thus precluding alternatives, even if they constitute the local staple food. Al-Khattab held that all grains that are the staple food of the locality, such as corn (Dhurra), millet (Dukhn), and rice (Arz), are permissible due to the Almighty's command to feed from the average of what the family is fed (Quran 5:89). This is the position of Shafi'i. If a superior staple food is given, it is better; if an inferior one is given, it is invalid, and the latter is the more cautious approach.