If a slave is incapable of fasting and the master permits expiation through any means, which means are valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zihar
Primary text
If a slave is unable to fast and the master permits expiation by manumission or feeding, the slave may use feeding for expiation. This is because one who is not obligated to free a slave while able to fast is also not obligated to do so when incapable of fasting, similar to an indigent free person. Furthermore, accepting manumission carries a heavy sense of obligation (minnah), which is less pronounced in the case of feeding.
Supporting text
This applies if the master gives permission before the slave repeats the act (al-'awd). If the slave repeats the act, the expiation becomes a liability upon him, and the validity of the subsequent expiation depends on whether it is judged by the state at the time of obligation or the strictest state.