Is it obligatory to fast two consecutive months as expiation for an accident that led to death, even with the forgiveness of the deceased's family? And is it permissible to begin the fasting if it will not be completed before Ramadan? And how can one emancipate a slave in this day and age?

In accidental killing, two things are obligatory: expiation (kaffarah) and blood money (diyah). If the heirs of the deceased, being mature and of sound judgment, forgive the blood money, it is waived. However, the expiation remains obligatory, as it is a right of Allah Almighty. It consists of fasting for two consecutive months, due to the unavailability of a slave to free. It is permissible to start fasting before Ramadan and complete it immediately after Eid, or to delay it until after Ramadan, because the obligation of expiation is not immediate but flexible.