Muwatta Imam Malik (Riwayat Yahya)

Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Regarding what Allah Almighty has said: «﴿فَفِدْيَةٌ مِنْ صِيَامٍ أَوْ صَدَقَةٍ أَوْ نُسُكٍ﴾», does the person have a choice in this? And what is nusuk? And how much food is obligatory? And from which measure should it be? And how many fasts are required? And is it permissible to delay in this or should it be done immediately? Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) replied: In all the expiations where Allah, Glorious and Exalted is He, has stated in this manner that either this or that, there is a choice; whichever option he wishes, he may do. By nusuk, one goat is meant. By fasting, three fasts are intended. By food, feeding six needy persons is meant; each needy person should be given two mudd, from the mudd of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).