Fidya in Ramadan

Fidya for Not Fasting

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its ability” [Quran 2:286]

Fidya serves as compensation for the inability to fast in the month of Ramadan. It allows a person to take part in gaining the rewards of the fasting month by paying the compulsory donation to make up for the missed fasts. Allah (SWT) has commanded fasting in Ramadan for all able Muslims whilst granting exemptions to the sick, older adults and the weak. The payment of Fidya illustrates one’s belief and obedience to the orders of faith.

The use of Fidya payments also supports those going through hunger and malnutrition during the month of Ramadan. Fidya donations involve feeding two meals to a poor person for each day of missed fasts in Ramadan.

Looking after those in need is an important obligation for a Muslim. The month of Ramadan brings the opportunity to give charity in the form of donations such as Fidya, Kaffarah, Zakat-al-Fitr and Sadaqah. Donating to ease hunger justifies the foundation of Fidya. This same message is emphasised in the Quran, specifying that spending on the needy is an essential quality of the righteous person.

“and they give food, out of their love for Him (Allah), to the needy, and the orphan, and the captive.” [Quran 76:8]

The Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah

The term Fidya is frequently mentioned alongside Kaffarah, which are both often mistaken for one and the same. There is no Fidya for breaking a fast, as Fidya is paid by those unable to fast for a valid reason, while Kaffarah is the compensation for breaking a fast intentionally in Ramadan. It is the compensation paid in the form of fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.

Who is Eligible to Receive Fidya?

Fidya has to be given to the poor people who have no means to access Suhoor and Iftar meals. It is specified for those living in conditions of poverty without any financial strength to source day-to-day meals. Many children living in poor circumstances can also benefit from Fidya donations.

How Much is Fidya for Ramadan 2026?

The amount of Fidya 2026 donations is half a Saa of local staple food to be given to a needy person, which is approximately equivalent to one and a half kilograms of rice. Fidya can also be paid by providing cooked meals and inviting the needy people to eat. There is a well-known hadith that mentions how Anas, a great companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), used to pay Fidya in his old age.

“As for an old man who is unable to fast, after Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) grew old, for one or two years he fed a poor person with bread and meat, and he did not fast.” [Bukhari]

Can You Give Fidya After Ramadan?

There is no strict deadline to giving Fidya; however, it is mandatory to fulfil your Fidya payment and not to forget about it. Though Fidya payments can be made after the month of Ramadan, it is best to make the donation during Ramadan to benefit the person who is fasting but can’t afford the meals to start and break their fast.

How to Pay Fidya for Ramadan

Fidya donations can be given through charity organisations, meaning you can pay Fidya online. The charity group you give to will buy and distribute food on your behalf to those struggling to provide meals for themselves and their families.

Fidya in Ramadan 2026 is somewhere near £4 or £5. Charity Meals is currently accepting Fidya donations for £4 per day on behalf of one person. Fidya calculation for the whole month of Ramadan would amount to £120. This sum provides two meals to a needy person for each missed fast.

Charity Meals is a world hunger charity delivering food packs and hot meals in the world’s most deprived areas. Our team will use your Fidya or Kaffarah payments to give vital food to those who need it most. Donate Fidya to Charity Meals and give the gift of nutritious meals to those suffering from hunger this Ramadan.