If you don’t fast for any of the days of Ramadan, you’ll be required to pay a charitable form of compensation. You must pay fidya (fidyah) for fasts missed out of necessity, that cannot be made up afterwards.
What is fidya?
When someone cannot fast in Ramadan and can’t make up the lost days afterwards (for example, because of a long-term health condition), then they should pay (fidya) for someone else to be fed.
Donate fidya
Why is Fidya important in Islam?
To make up for missing fasts Ramadan is a commandment from Allah.
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)
Note: Fidya is primarily for those who are suffering from long term illness or unable to fast due to old age, and are not able to make up the fasts after Ramadan.
How much is fidya for Ramadan 2024?
$5 fidya for each missed fast. This should provide 1 person with 2 meals or 2 people with 1 meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay $150.
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 1 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 fidya?
Fidya 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 fidya 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
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.
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.
Fidya is a donation that must be paid to feed the poor for not making up fasts missed in Ramadan on time. Therefore, $5 fidya paid for each fast missed. Donations can be made online.
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We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Sheikh Saalim Al-Azhari.
Page last reviewed: 17 January 2022
Next review due: Within 12 months