Allah Almighty says: “They ˹are those who˺ fulfil ˹their˺ vows and fear a Day of sweeping horror” [Al-Insan: 7]
In our daily lives, we may make vows to emphasize our sincerity or determination to do something. However, circumstances may sometimes lead us to break those vows, placing us before an important religious responsibility: the kaffarah for breaking a vow.
What is Kaffarah?
It is what a Muslim offers as atonement for breaking their vow, i.e., when they go against what they vowed to do. Allah has prescribed this kaffarah to purify the soul from sin and to be a means of helping the needy and extending a helping hand to them. It also reflects the leniency and mercy of Islam towards His servants.
The Amount of Kaffarah
The kaffarah for breaking a vow consists of one of the following:
- Feeding ten needy people: Providing a meal (estimated at about 5 US dollars per person) to ten individuals in need.
- Clothing ten needy people: Buying new clothes (estimated at about 10 US dollars per person) for ten individuals in need.
- Freeing a slave: Contributing to the liberation of an enslaved person (This option is not applicable in modern times and can be substituted with the previous two options).
- Fasting for three consecutive days: In the event of being unable to fulfill the previous two options.
Who is Obligated to Perform Kaffarah?
The kaffarah of a vow is obligatory upon an adult, mentally sound Muslim who makes a vow to Allah and then intentionally breaks it. The kaffarah is required whether the one who made the vow is male or female, and whether the vow pertains to a religious or worldly matter.
Can I Pay the Kaffarah on Behalf of Someone Else?
Yes, you may pay the kaffarah on behalf of another person, whether they are living or deceased. However, it is necessary to obtain permission from the living person before paying the kaffarah on their behalf. In the case of the deceased, it is permissible to pay on their behalf without permission.
