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Learn the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah in Islam with Al-Ayn’s guide. Understand when each applies, how to calculate and pay them, and how they help fulfil your Ramadan duties while supporting those in need.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key pillars of Islam. While some people may be unable to fast due to illness, age, or other genuine circumstances, Islam provides a compassionate alternative called Fidya to help them fulfil their duty.
At the same time, for those who deliberately break a fast without a valid reason, Islam prescribes Kaffarah – a form of atonement that helps restore spiritual balance and accountability.
Definition & Purpose
Fidya (also spelled fidyah) is a form of compensation for those who are unable to fast during Ramadan for valid reasons and who will likely never be able to make up the missed fasts. In other words, when someone’s health or situation permanently precludes fasting, they can offer fidya as a substitution.
Who owes fidya?
Typical cases include:
Note: If the person can make up the missed fasts in the future, then the priority is to perform those qada (make-up) fasts.
The standard measure is based on feeding one needy person per day missed, usually equivalent to 750 grams of staple food (rice, flour) or its cash equivalent. Al-Ayn has calculated this amount (based on rice) as £1 for each day that a fast is missed.
When to pay fidya?
Preferably during Ramadan, or as soon as you know the fasts cannot be made up.
Definition & Purpose
Kaffarah is an act of expiation or atonement for deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason, or for breaking an oath wrongly. It’s more stringent than fidya because it addresses fault rather than inability.
When is kaffarah required?
The Kaffarah amount for deliberately missing a fast is 750 grams of food to 60 needy people, equal to 45kg in total (based on rice). Al-Ayn is authorised to collect Kaffarah dues and has calculated the amount as £50 for each day that a fast is deliberately missed or broken.
If you break an oath (or a vow), you need to make up for it by seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and paying the cost of feeding 10 needy people, which is £10 in total.
When to pay Kaffarah?
It should ideally be fulfilled as soon as possible after the violation. If fasting 60 days is chosen, they must be consecutive and unbroken – if a day is missed in between, one restarts counting.
Fidya and Kaffarah are vital parts of Islamic jurisprudence that balance mercy, accountability, and social welfare. They allow the Muslim community to ensure no one is left behind – so that even if one cannot fast, one’s duty may still be fulfilled; and if one errs intentionally, there is a path to make amends.