Feeding the needy as Kaffarah for involuntary manslaughter
Q: I would like to tell your Eminence that on 26/9/1409 A.H. while I was traveling from
Riyadh
towards the south, there was a child with his family under one of the bridges. Once I reached the bridge in my Datsun car, the child jumped in front of my car. I hit him and he died a week after this accident. 25% of the responsibility for the accident was my mistake. I know I have to fast two successive months, but I live in harsh conditions. First, I am a military man and I work in a remote area and my work conditions are very hard. It should be noted that I work to support my family; because they have no one to sustain them except me. Is it permissible for me to spend on the weak and needy due to my life and work conditions? (Part No. 21; Page No. 305) Please advise!
A:
You have to offer Kaffarah (expiation) for involuntary manslaughter, namely, freeing a Muslim slave. If you are unable to do so, you have to fast two successive months. It is not sufficient for you
to feed needy people to fulfill your duty to do Kaffarah for involuntary manslaughter. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.