What is the required form of expiation fasting for a slave when it is obligatory?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Zihar

Book 42 · Issue 6 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

In all cases, if the slave fasts for expiation, it must be two consecutive months, based on the general application of the verse {then two consecutive months of fasting} [Quran 58:4]. Moreover, fasting for expiation is equal for both free persons and slaves, similar to the expiation for an oath (yamin). This view is held by Al-Hasan, Al-Sha'bi, Al-Nakha'i, Al-Zuhri, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq, and no dissent is known.

Supporting text

What is related from 'Ata is that if he fasts one month, it suffices. Al-Nakha'i initially held this view but later returned to the position of the majority.