Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Asalam-o-alikum
My question is that if someone donates money to an islamic charity with the intention of paying a kafaara will that be accepted. The person might not be sure that the money will go towards feeding 2 meals(ie total 20 meals) to specifically 10 poor people. Please keep in mind that the value of 2 meals (ie total 20 meals) for 10 people was donated.
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray that this finds you well, and in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you all good and success in this life and the next.
It is not a condition that kaffara money be used to feed the poor. However, it is a condition that the money be given to the poor and needy themselves. [Ibn Abdidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Thus, if the charity can ensure that the above will occur, then it would be valid to give one’s kaffara (expiation) to then; otherwise, not.
It may be best to consult about the specifics with a reliable scholar.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani