Answer: In response to your question, it is not permissible according to the view of the overwhelming majority of scholars to pay the expiation for violating an oath in monetary value.
The expiation must be given in the form specified by Allah, the Exalted in the Quran. This is the position of Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'i, Imam Ahmad, and others, who adhered to the apparent meaning of the Quranic verse.
Allah Ta'ala says:
“The expiation for it is to feed ten poor people from the average of what you feed your own families, or to clothe them, or to free a slave.” (Quran 5:89)
Allah has specified three options for expiation:
- Feeding ten poor people (إطعام عشرة مساكين).
- Providing clothing for them (كسوة).
- Freeing a slave (تحرير رقبة).
It is not permissible to replace these specified forms of expiation with monetary value. Allah chose these three options for a reason, as each carries its own significance and value. If monetary payment were allowed, it would undermine the purpose and wisdom behind Allah’s selection.
Regarding the second part of your question: The verse specifies feeding ten poor people. Therefore, you must give food to ten different poor individuals. You cannot give all ten meals to a single person. However, if you are unable to find ten poor people, you are allowed to give ten meals to one poor person.
And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.
— Answered by Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan
