Fidya
What Is Fidya?
Fidya is paid when a person cannot fast in Ramadan due to a long-term illness, old age, or another permanent condition, and it is clear that they will not be able to fast in the future.
It is not for temporary situations. Fidya applies only when fasting and making up the fast later are both not possible.
Who Is Eligible to Pay Fidya?
You are eligible to pay fidya if:
- You are unable to fast due to long-term illness
- You are elderly and physically unable to fast
- You are unable to make up missed fasts after Ramadan
If fasting can be made up later, fidya does not apply.
Why Is Fidya Important in Islam?
Making up missed fasts is a command in Islam. Where fasting is not possible, Islam provides fidya as a way to fulfil responsibility without hardship. The Qur’an allows feeding a person in need for each missed fast when fasting cannot be done.
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.
How Much Is Fidya for Ramadan 2026?
For Ramadan 2026, fidya is calculated as the cost of feeding one person for one day for each missed fast.
What Is the Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya is paid when someone cannot fast and cannot make up the fast later.
Kaffarah is paid when someone deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason.
Who can receive fidya?
Fidya is to be given only to the poor and needy. Scholars consider fidyah to be like zakat, therefore those entitled to receive fidya are regarded as being among those who are entitled to zakat.
