Kaffarah
Atonement for Breaking a Fast Intentionally
Kaffarah (كفّارة) is a necessary expiation for anyone who deliberately invalidates a fast during the holy month of Ramadan without a valid Islamic reason. This includes intentionally eating, drinking, or engaging in intimate relations during the fasting hours. In the eyes of Islamic law, this is a serious matter and must be addressed through sincere repentance and fulfilling the required expiation.
What Is Required for Kaffarah?
The individual must do one of the following:
Fast for 60 consecutive days without missing a single day, or
Feed 60 needy people one meal each, or the equivalent in monetary value, if unable to fast due to health or other valid reasons.
This obligation serves not only as atonement but also as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of fasting and the deep connection it fosters with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
Allah ﷻ, in His infinite mercy, provides opportunities for forgiveness. As mentioned in the Qur’an:
وَمَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا أَوْ يَظْلِمْ نَفْسَهُۥ ثُمَّ يَسْتَغْفِرِ ٱللَّهَ يَجِدِ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا
“And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:110)
Fulfilling Kaffarah is not just a personal obligation—it’s a compassionate act that transforms a mistake into an opportunity to aid the poor, renew your relationship with Allah, and grow spiritually.