Regarding the question about the expiation for fasting and the ruling on giving its monetary value instead of providing food, I would say the following:
This is a subsidiary issue related to the fundamental difference in such matters, specifically in the context of Zakat, such as Zakat al-Fitr (charity given at the end of Ramadan) and expiations. The question is whether it is permissible to give their monetary value, meaning wealth, or is it obligatory to give them in the form of actual food?
The scholars of the different schools of law have differed on three main opinions:
The first opinion is the view of the Hanafi scholars, who state that it is permissible to give these types of expiations both in the form of actual food and in the form of monetary value. They argue that the primary objective is to fulfill the needs of the poor, and their needs are not limited to food alone. They may require medication, clothing, housing, and other necessities that cannot be met solely by providing food.
The second opinion is held by the Maliki school of law and also attributed to the Shafi’i scholars. They assert that it is not permissible to give expiations in any form other than food. They base their argument on the explicit mention of food in the verse: “Fidyah is feeding a poor person” [Al-Baqarah, 2:184].
The third opinion is the view of the Hanbali school of law, which states that the default ruling is to give expiations in the form of food. However, if there is a pressing need, it is permissible to give them in the form of monetary value. the opinion that we choose is the view of the Hanafi scholars because it provides facilitation and considers the various needs of the poor. Additionally, it is easier to implement and transfer the monetary value in practice.
As for the evidence cited by the Maliki scholars, it is a general text that allows for flexibility based on the specific needs and circumstances of the poor and the needy.
Furthermore, the text states “feeding a poor person” and does not specify “providing food to a poor person.” The wording allows for interpretation, indicating that the expiation can be fulfilled by providing the value of food to a poor person. It is similar to when you tell someone working for you, “You have a meal every day,” and then you give them its monetary value instead.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr