“I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about a man who offers an offering but it sustains damage. He (the Imam) said, ‘If it is binding and obligatory such as because of swearing, or vow or as penalty, he owes ransom.’ I then asked, ‘Can he eat thereof?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘No, because it is for the destitute, if it is not binding and obligatory, he is not obligated for anything in this matter.’ I asked, ‘Can he eat thereof?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Yes, he can eat.’” NOTE: It is also narrated that he can eat thereof, regardless of its being of binding and obligatory or non- obligatory reasons.