I had intercourse with my wife

Q: I had intercourse with my wife during the daytime in Ramadan. I was told that I have to offer a Kaffarah (expiation), which is freeing a slave, observing Sawm (Fast) for two consecutive months, or feeding sixty poor people. However, I do not know whether this order of priority of the required Kaffarah is obligatory to follow or is optional. Please give us a Fatwa, may Allah reward you with the best.

A: If you intentionally had intercourse with your wife during the daytime in Ramadan, you have to offer a Kaffarah - and it is obligatory to follow its order of priority, according to the more correct of the two opinions maintained by scholars. Thus, you should free a slave, if you cannot, step to the second alternative: Sawm for two consecutive months, if you cannot, step to the third alternative: Feed sixty poor persons thirty Sa`s (1 Sa` = 3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, fresh dates, rice, or any other staple foodstuff, each poor person receiving half a Sa`.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.