Declaring food unlawful to him like his mother

Q 1: It is a widespread custom among the Bedouins that when a host intends to slaughter an animal to show great hospitality to his guest, the latter says, "The animal you slaughter is unlawful for me like my mother." What is the ruling on saying such statements? What is the ruling on eating from the meat of the slaughtered animal after saying a similar statement? Please advise us.


A: Anyone who says, "This food is unlawful for me or it is like my mother" and wants to eat from it has to offer Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath. The Kaffarah involves feeding ten Miskins (needy persons), by giving each one of them half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of staple food, or providing them with clothing, or emancipating a believing slave. If none of these is affordable, they must observe Sawm (Fast) for three days. Allah (Exalted be He) says: O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allâh has allowed to you Until His Saying: (Part No. 23; Page No. 179)  Allâh has already ordained for you (O men) the absolution from your oaths. This refers to the said Kaffarah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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