Feeding ten poor people

Q: Kindly instruct us how to feed ten poor people, which is the Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath. Do three meals have to be served or just one meal for every poor person. What is the monetary value of the meal? Is it permissible to pay money instead of giving food?

A: The Kaffarah for an oath is to feed ten poor people; each poor person is to be given half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) from the country's staple food in the form of barley, dates, or rice. If the person cannot afford feeding, they have to clothe ten poor people; giving every poor person a garment. If this is also unaffordable, they have to emancipate a believing slave. If this is unaffordable, they have to observe Sawm (Fast) for three days. Paying the value of food is not acceptable. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.