What is the required method for fulfilling the obligation of feeding (It'am) related to expiation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zihar
Primary text
The apparent position of the madhhab requires the complete transfer of ownership of the obligatory amount due to each poor person from the expiation. Merely providing a meal (feeding them in the morning or evening) is insufficient, regardless of whether the amount given matches the obligation, is less, or is more. This view is adopted by Al-Shafi'i. Evidence for the requirement of transfer of ownership is found in the established practice of the Companions: Zayd, Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, and Abu Hurayrah stated that the requirement is one Mudd for each poor person. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded Ka'b regarding the expiation for causing harm by shaving the head: 'Feed three Sa' of dates to six poor people.' This obligation, being wealth due to the poor by Sharia, necessitates transferring ownership to them, analogous to Zakat.
Supporting text
A second narration attributed to Ahmad, supported by Al-Nukha'i and Abu Hanifa, states that fulfilling the obligation by feeding them the required amount suffices. The evidence cited is the action of Anas, who provided a large meal, and the Quranic injunction: {So feeding sixty poor persons} [Al-Mujadila: 4], suggesting that the act of feeding itself is sufficient since the poor were fed. Another related ruling is that if sixty Mudd are presented to them and the presenter states, 'This is for you equally,' and they accept, it suffices because ownership of the right to benefit is transferred before division. This is the apparent position of Al-Shafi'i.