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 Fidyah?
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 (Fidyah) for someone else to be fed.
How much is Fidyah for Ramadan 2023?
Fidyah equates to R10 (Shafi) and R27 (Hanafi) per each fasting day missed in Ramadan. This will provide a person with one meal for one day (Shafi) or one person with two meals/two people with one meal (Hanafi). However, if one misses all the days in Ramadan, they would need to pay R300 Fidyah (Shafi) or R810 Fidyah (Hanafi).
Calculate Fidyah due
The Fidyah amount required to be paid for one missed fast (which cannot be made up afterwards) is R10 (Shafi) or R27 (Hanafi). Use our Fidyah calculator to calculate how much Fidya you need to pay.
Why is Fidyah 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: Fidyah 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.
What is the difference between Fidyah and Kaffarah?
Fidyah 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 Fidyah 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 Fidyah?
You are eligible to pay Fidyah 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
