Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdul-Raheem Abata, eloquently expounded upon the expiation ritual, known as Kaffara, prescribed within Islamic jurisprudence for engaging in sexual intercourse during the daytime hours of Ramadan.
In a timeless sermon that resurfaced on social media, the erudite cleric emphasized the significance of this act of atonement by advocating for the procurement of sweets and biscuits to be distributed among children.
Citing a pivotal encounter between the Angel Jubril (Gabriel) and the revered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sheikh Abdur-Raheem Abata underscored the divine guidance delineating the appropriate means for rectification and reconciliation following such transgressions.
Sheikh Abdur-Raheem Abata elucidated the guidance imparted by Angel Jubril to Prophet Muhammad regarding the expiation for engaging in marital relations during the daylight hours of Ramadan.
According to this divine instruction, the requisite atonement entails the benevolent act of procuring items like biscuits and sweets for the delight of children, thereby fostering joy within the community.
“Jubril told Muhammad that when a man sleeps with his wife in the afternoon of Ramadan, the atonement is simply to buy things such as biscuits and sweets for children. Just make the children happy,” he explained.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Sheikh Abdur-Raheem Abata reminisced about his parents’ practice of providing treats and other gifts to children, a gesture he now recognizes as an embodiment of the Kaffara ritual aimed at purifying their souls from transgressions.
“Little did we know that our parents were performing Kaffara to cleanse their sins,” he added.
Watch the video of the sermon here.
Reactions
Jimoh Oyekola expressed his reluctance to propagate such a sermon, especially considering the prevalence of illicit affairs within the Muslim community.
He emphasized the importance of being guided by prudence and caution in disseminating messages that may exacerbate societal challenges.
Oyekola stated, “I will never propagate this kind of sermon among the current Muslim community, which unfortunately harbors a penchant for illicit affairs with women. Let us proceed with caution and guidance.”
Baba Issa offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that Sheikh Abdur-Raheem Abata’s sermon highlighted the necessity of genuine repentance, sincere acts of righteousness, and seeking forgiveness from Allah as the primary means to rectify such transgressions.
Issa remarked, “What Sheikh Abdur-Raheem Abata was conveying is that only righteous deeds, genuine repentance, and divine forgiveness from Allah can rectify such a sin.”
What is Kaffara?
Kaffara serves as a significant aspect of Ramadan observance, addressing instances where fasting is interrupted due to various reasons such as illness, travel, or forgetfulness. It stands alongside fidya as a means for Muslims to maintain the purity of their Ramadan worship. Derived from Arabic, “kaffara” translates to “atonement” or “expiation,” specifically designed to address the breaking of the 30-day fast in Ramadan due to actions like eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual intercourse.
Unlike fidya, which is a form of expiation for breaking the fast with a valid reason, kaffara applies when the fast is broken without a valid excuse. Valid reasons for breaking the fast include illness, travel, age, hazardous thirst, or hazardous hunger. Any other reason for breaking the fast is deemed “invalid” and necessitates a kaffara payment for each violated fasting day.
The significance of kaffara lies in its role in personal accountability for Muslims. It underscores the importance of performing acts of worship with utmost sincerity and correctness. Ramadan fasting, spanning 30 days, holds profound significance in Islamic practice, underscoring the need to uphold it diligently. By fulfilling the obligation of paying kaffara, Muslims strive to ensure the integrity of their Ramadan worship and maximize the blessings derived from it.
Kaffara payments are made for each missed fasting day without a valid reason. Common forms of kaffara include freeing a Muslim from slavery, fasting for a specified number of days (typically two consecutive Islamic lunar months), or feeding a specified number of the poor (usually 60 individuals). Through the payment of kaffara, Muslims endeavour to uphold the integrity of their Ramadan fasting, aspiring towards spiritual growth and adherence to Islamic principles.
Sheikh Abdul-Raheem Abata
Sheikh Abdul-Raheem Abata gained widespread recognition as a highly proficient Islamic preacher and missionary, embarking on his Da’awah journey in the early 1950s, targeting the Eastern and Southern regions of the country. His impactful outreach efforts were characterized by his melodious delivery, which captivated audiences and contributed to the success of his mission.