Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath
What is Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath in Islam?
In Islam, taking an oath is not a casual act — it’s a serious promise made in the name of Allah. If you deliberately break that promise, Kaffarah for breaking an oath (known as Kaffarat al-Yamin) becomes necessary. This is a specific form of expiation laid out in the Qur’an:
“Allah will not call you to account for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what you intended in your oaths. For expiation: feed ten poor people from what you normally feed your own family, or clothe them, or free a slave. But if you cannot afford that, then fast for three days.”
— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:89)
Kaffarat al-Yamin: A Way Back to Allah
Kaffarah for breaking an oath is not just a duty — it’s a mercy. Allah, in His compassion, gives us a way to make amends when we fall short. Through this act, you restore your trustworthiness, support those in need, and reconnect spiritually.
When you fulfil Kaffarah, you:
Breaking an oath is serious — but returning to Allah with sincerity is always possible.
Image: A child receiving a meal you donated to fulfil your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath.
How to Fulfil Kaffarah After Breaking a Promise
If you break a deliberate oath, you must fulfil one of three options, in order of priority:
1. Feed Ten Poor People
Provide each person with one average meal — equivalent to what you eat at home. You can give cooked meals, food parcels, or hold a meal for ten people.
2. Clothe Ten Poor People
Clothing must be suitable for prayer. For men; a full outfit or a top and bottom. For women; modest clothing with a head covering.
3. Free a Believing Slave
Although not applicable today, it remains part of the Qur’anic teaching. If you truly cannot afford any of the above:
Fast for Three Consecutive Days
Image: A child in Gaza receiving a family meal you donated to fulfil your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath.
Why is Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath Important?
Because it transforms a mistake into an opportunity. It lets you do good, fulfil your duty, and grow spiritually. Islam is not a religion of guilt — it’s a path of redemption and action.
If you can’t fulfil the Kaffarah yourself, you can donate, and we will arrange for food or clothing to be distributed on your behalf. Kaffarah for breaking an oath is more than expiation — it’s an act of healing.
Can you pay Kaffarat al-Yamin in cash?
The majority of scholars agree that Kaffarah must be fulfilled in the form of food, clothing, or fasting — not cash.
Ibn Qudamah (رحمه الله):
“It is not sufficient to offer the value of the food or clothing to be given in expiation, because Allah mentions food, so expiation cannot be offered by any other means…”
(Al-Mughni, 11/256)
Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله):
“The Kaffarah should be offered in the form of food, not cash, because this is what it says in the Qur’an and Sunnah…”
(Fatawa Islamiyyah, 3/481)
If you choose to give your Kaffarah through a trusted charity, they will convert your donation into actual food or clothing for those in need, fulfilling the requirement correctly.
Image: A Gaza Child feeling happy after receiving food meal from the HCR kaffarah appeal.
Is Fidya the same as Kaffarah?
No — Fidya and Kaffarah are not the same.
Each has a different cause, ruling, and method.
Important reminders before giving Kaffarah
No — Fidya and Kaffarah are not the same.
Let Your Kaffarah Become a Source of Relief
Kaffarah is more than an obligation — it is a chance to restore what was broken and bring ease to someone who is struggling. Alongside fulfilling your Kaffarah for breaking an oath, you can also support other urgent causes through HCR, where your charity reaches those most in need:
Give with sincerity. Give to heal. Let your charity be a means of mercy — for them, and for you.
Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath FAQs
What kind of food is given in Kaffarah meals?
Kaffarah meals are prepared using local staple foods to ensure they are nutritious, familiar, and fulfilling for recipients. Examples include:
- Pakistan: Chapati with chicken or meat curry and a drink, or chicken/meat biryani with raita and a drink
- Gaza, Yemen: Rice with chicken and a drink, or lentil/soup with bread and a drink
- Bangladesh: Rice with chicken curry and a drink
- Africa: Rice with chicken or meat and a drink
These meals meet the basic dietary needs and cultural expectations of the communities receiving them, ensuring your Kaffarah truly benefits those in need.
Is the Kaffarah amount enough to feed 60 people?
Yes, the Kaffarah amount is carefully calculated to meet Islamic requirements. It is based on local food prices, portion sizes, and meal costs in the areas we serve. This ensures that 60 poor and needy individuals receive a nutritious, cooked meal — with dignity and care.
If you’d prefer to provide enhanced or custom meals as part of your Kaffarah, we can arrange that too, Insha’Allah. Please contact our team after donating to make a special request.
Where are Kaffarah meals distributed?
HCR distributes Kaffarah meals in regions facing high food insecurity, including Gaza, Pakistan, Yemen, and Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. We prioritise areas most in need and work with local teams for transparent, timely delivery.
Who receives the Kaffarah meals?
Kaffarah meals are given to the most vulnerable: widows, orphans, refugees, daily labourers, and families living in poverty, especially near masjids or in remote communities.
When will my Kaffarah donation be distributed?
Your Kaffarah donation is prepared and distributed within 30 days of receiving it, often sooner.
Example: If you donate in January, meals will typically be delivered during February. In emergency zones, distributions may be prioritised to meet urgent needs.
We work with trusted local teams to ensure your Kaffarah reaches those who need it most — on time, and with transparency.
What is Kaffarah for breaking an oath in Islam?
Kaffarah is the expiation required when a person intentionally breaks an oath made in the name of Allah. It is a way to seek forgiveness and fulfil one’s duty.
When is Kaffarah required for breaking an oath?
Kaffarah is required if a person knowingly swears by Allah to do something and then breaks that promise without a valid excuse.
What does the Qur’an say about Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:89) clearly outlines the options: feed ten poor people, clothe them, or free a slave. If none is possible, the person must fast for three days.
How many people must be fed for Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
Ten poor people must be fed. The food should be similar in quality to what one eats at home.
Can I pay Kaffarah for breaking an oath online?
Yes, if you give through a trusted Islamic charity that arranges food or clothing directly on your behalf. The Kaffarah must still be fulfilled with proper intention.
Is giving money instead of food allowed for Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
No, giving money directly is not sufficient. The Qur’an specifies food or clothing. However, you may donate money if the charity uses it to provide the correct items.
Do I need to pay Kaffarah for every broken oath?
Yes. Each intentionally broken oath requires a separate Kaffarah.
What if I cannot afford Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
If you genuinely cannot afford food or clothing for ten poor people, you must fast for three consecutive days.
Who is eligible to receive Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
Kaffarah must go to those considered poor or needy under Islamic law — individuals who qualify to receive Zakat.
What happens if I delay Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
It should be fulfilled as soon as possible. Delaying without excuse is discouraged, but the obligation remains valid.
Does Kaffarah apply to unintentional oaths?
No. If an oath is made unintentionally, there is no Kaffarah. The Qur’an clearly states that only deliberate oaths require expiation.
Is Kaffarah the same as Fidya or Sadaqah?
No. Kaffarah is a required expiation for breaking a serious obligation.
Fidya is for missed fasts with a valid excuse
Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity