Abstract

In addition to addressing fundamental theological issues such as tawhid, prophethood, and the Hereafter, the Qur’an also includes numerous rulings aimed at organizing individual and social life. One of the subjects addressed within this framework is kafārah. Kafārahs are worship-based sanctions prescribed to atone for the violation of religious and moral obligations. These practices serve multiple functions, such as disciplining the soul, drawing the individual closer to divine forgiveness, and maintaining social balance. Given that kafārahs possess not only individual but also social, economic, and psychological functions, it is important to examine the issue from a multidimensional Qur’anic perspective. The aim of this study is to understand the expiatory rulings mentioned in the Qur’an and, in particular, to reveal the individual and social objectives they seek to achieve. In this context, it is emphasized that kafārah should not be regarded merely as a punitive measure, but also as a form of worship, a means of spiritual purification, and a tool for establishing social order. This article discusses the concept of kafārah, its types, and its purposes, thereby offering a detailed analysis of the place, objective, and function of kafārah in the Qur’an. The study is based on a qualitative research methodology. Verses in the Qur’an related to expiation have been identified and analyzed in light of both classical and modern tafsīr literature, as well as relevant academic research. As a result, it is concluded that the expiatory rulings in the Qur’an are not solely mechanisms for individual purification, but also serve multifaceted purposes with biological, sociological, and economic dimensions.