When someone cannot fast in Ramadan (due to ill health, travelling or menstruation for example) they should make up the missed fasts when they are able to do so. However, if they will not be able to make up missed fasts (due to old age or chronic illness that is unlikely to improve) they should pay fidya for someone else to be fed.
Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.
Qur’an | 2:184
Why is Fidya important in Islam?
To make up for missing fasts Ramadan is a commandment from Allah.
Who should pay fidya?
In the Hanafi school, fidya is only paid by a person who is not able to fast in Ramadan, cannot make up for the missed fasts at any other time and is not expected to ever regain the ability to make up the missed fasts. All three conditions must be fulfilled, otherwise one does not pay fidya but has to make up the missed fasts.
There is no time limit for making up missed fasts in the Hanafi school so fidya is only valid if a person has no hope of being able to make up the missed fasts in their lifetime. This means that the following do not qualify to pay fidya:
- One who misses out on a few days of fasting due to a temporary illness
- One who accidentally or deliberately broke their fast
- One who is unable to fast this year due to surgery or the like, but is expected to be able to fast next year
If one pays fidya thinking they will not have the health to make up missed fasts but then regains their health later in life, their fidya will be considered as charity and they must then make up the missed fasts.
Therefore, in the Hanafi school there is no fidya to be paid by a pregnant or nursing woman who misses fasts in Ramadan as she will be able to make up the fasts later.
According to the Shafi’is and Hanbalis, fidya is also required for those who cannot fast in their lifetime due to illness or age. However, the amount of fidya differs from the Hanafis (please consult a local scholar or you may follow Hanafi guidelines on this matter). The Malikis view paying fidya as recommended for those who are no longer able to fast, but not as mandatory.
The majority of scholars among the Malikis, Shafi’is, and Hanbalis hold the view that fidya is compulsory for individuals who have missed a fast (such as a pregnant woman or someone who was traveling, etc.) and, despite having the ability to make up for it, did not do so before the arrival of the next Ramadan. In this case, they are required to pay fidya in addition to making up the missed fasts (qadah).
How much do you need to pay?
For every day of missed fasting one has to pay the value of approximately 2kg of wheat. Please consult a local scholar on what the exact amount is in your area.
In the UK this is £5 for each missed fast. This should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal. If someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan 2024, they would need to pay £150.
There is some difference of opinion in the Islamic schools of jurisprudence on how much needs to be paid in fidya. Consult a scholar if you are unsure how much to pay.
Is Fidya compulsory?
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation on all able Muslims and is 1 of the 5 Pillars of Islam. Muslims must pay kaffarah or fidya when missing this fundamental aspects of Islam, with a valid reason or not. Charity, as well as compulsory payments like these, emphasise just what an important aspect of Islam the holy month of Ramadan is.
Why is Fidya important in Islam?
As well as being compulsory for those who are unable to fast during Ramadan, paying fidya enable eligible Muslims to serve those in need, for whom going hungry for long periods of time is not a choice.
Tragically, 828 million people go hungry each and every day in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Food is a basic necessity for survival and also the key to a healthy life. Without regular healthy meals children struggle to go to school, carers struggle to work, and communities are left battling to survive. However, you can help alleviate this terrible burden and give struggling families a month of relief during Ramadan by donating your fidya with Islamic Relief.
What are the conditions of giving Fidya before Ramadan begins?
Scholars have differing views on the timing of fidya payment. One perspective is that it should be paid daily after breaking each fast or in one payment at the end of Ramadan. The Hanafis, on the other hand, suggest that the payment can be made either at the start of the Ramadan month (but not earlier) or at its conclusion.
If someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan 2024, they would need to pay £150.
How much is Fidya for Ramadan 2024?
It is £5 for each missed fast. This should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay £150 for 30 missed days of fasting.
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya is paid for deliberately missing a fast with a valid reason to do so, however, Kaffarah is only paid if you break a fast without a valid reason. The amount paid in Fidya for each missed fast is equivalent to feeding one person. However, when paying Kaffarah, the payment for is the equivalent of feeding 60 people.
Who is eligible for Fidya?
You are eligible to pay Fidya if you have missed or are exempt from fasting due to illness, old age or any other reason which prevents you from making the fasts up later.
Who can receive Fidyah?
Fidyah is to be given only to the poor and needy, not to everyone. Scholars consider Fidyah to be like Zakat, therefore those entitled to receive Fidyah are regarded as being among those who are entitled to Zakat.
What is Fidya in Islam?
Fidya (fidyah) is a religious donation to help those in need. It is only paid when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan due to medical conditions or any other valid reasons such as a prolonged illness, and will not be able to make up the fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to pay Fidyah?
You’re supposed to pay it before you miss a fast, or before Ramadan if you know you can’t participate for the whole month.
Is Fidya compulsory?
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation on all able Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims must pay Kaffarah or Fidya when missing this fundamental aspects of Islam, with a valid reason or not. Charity, as well as compulsory payments like these, emphasise just what an important aspect of Islam the holy month of Ramadan is.
How to pay Fidya?
Donations can be made online and must be paid to feed the poor. Therefore, £5 for each fast missed must be paid.
