Feeding the needy rice, dates or the like as Kaffarah

Q 1: Is it permissible to offer the food required by Kaffarah (expiation), in the form of rice, dates, or something else? How many persons may take one Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.)? (Part No. 21; Page No. 330) Is it permissible to offer the value in cash?

A: It is permissible to offer the Kaffarah, be it for Zhihar (a man likening his wife to an unmarriageable relative), fasting, or breaking an oath, in the form of food. One Sa` of the local staple food, whether be it dates, rice, or anything else, must be given to two poor people. Offering kaffarah in the form of cash is not valid according to the preponderant view.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.