Chapter on Expiation

For the expiation due for shaving, trimming the nails, covering the head, applying perfume, or wearing tailored garments, one may choose between fasting for three days; feeding six needy people, giving each needy person one mudd of wheat, or half a sa‘ of dates or barley; or slaughtering a sheep.

His statement, “expiation”: this is what is given as ransom for something. An example is the ransom of a captive in war: we give something in exchange for securing his release. Thus, an expiation is what becomes due for committing a prohibition or neglecting an obligation. It is called an expiation because Allah, Exalted is He, says:

“Then an expiation is required: fasting, charity, or sacrifice.” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

With respect to the expiation they entail, the prohibitions of ihram are divided into four categories:

First: that for which no expiation is due, namely contracting a marriage.

Second: that whose expiation is severe, namely sexual intercourse during Hajj before the first stage of release from ihram.

Third: that whose expiation is the prescribed compensation, or its substitute, namely killing game.

Fourth: that whose expiation is the expiation for harm, namely all the remaining prohibitions.

This is an exhaustive classification, which is helpful to the student of knowledge.

The expiation for harm consists of feeding six needy people, giving each one half a sa‘; fasting for three days, whether consecutive or separate; or slaughtering a sheep, which is then distributed among the poor. This is due to the saying of Allah, Exalted is He:

“But if any of you is ill or has an ailment of the head, then an expiation is required: fasting, charity, or sacrifice.” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

The author said—explaining this, though not by way of exhaustive classification—“For the expiation due for shaving, trimming the nails, covering the head, applying perfume, or wearing tailored garments, one may choose between fasting for three days or feeding six needy people.”