Is it permissible to fast three days as expiation for an oath, instead of feeding ten needy persons, if one possesses sufficient funds for feeding, but these funds are saved for paying off upcoming essential debts and financial obligations?

Future financial obligations in the coming months do not justify switching from feeding to fasting for expiation (kaffarah), as switching to fasting is only for those who do not possess enough for their day and night. Among the sayings of the jurists is that whoever is eligible to receive zakat is eligible to switch to fasting.

If one's money is insufficient to cover both the expiation and the repayment of an immediate debt, then switching to fasting is permissible. As for a deferred debt, it has been said that the expiation should be paid, and it has also been said that the money should be used for the debt and then one switches to fasting, which is the more probable opinion, because the right of a human being takes precedence.

Therefore, it is permissible to switch to fasting instead of feeding if one's money is insufficient to cover both debt repayment and expiation, or if one's money is insufficient for the basic necessities of a day and a night. Otherwise, feeding remains obligatory.