In Islam, not fasting any of the days during Ramadan means you’ll need to pay a charitable form of compensation. You must pay Fidya (Fidyah) if you missed any fasts for a valid reason and cannot make them up later on.
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). The amount they pay is equal to the price of a meal for the needy, times the number of fasting days missed during Ramadan.
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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.
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?
Fidya is $18 for each missed fast. This should provide one person with one meal. This is the amount set by ANIC* for 2024.
*updates regarding their exact fatwa on Fidya will be coming soon.
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya is paid for deliberately missing a fast with a valid reason to do so. However, if you break a fast without a valid reason, Kaffarah is paid. The amount paid in Fidya for each missed fast is equivalent to feeding one person. However, when paying Kaffarah, the payment is the equivalent of feeding 60 people.
Who is eligible to pay 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 that prevents you from making the fasts up later.
Who can receive Fidya?
Fidyah is 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.
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 aspect 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. For 2024, Fidya is $18 for each fast missed. Donations can be made online.
