Fidya in Ramadan

Fidya for Not Fasting

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope” [Al-Baqarah 2:286]

Fidya serves as the expiation for the inability to fast for the month of Ramadan. It allows a person to participate in the reward of the fasting month by paying the compulsory donation to make up for the missed fasts. Allah (SWT) has enjoined fasting in Ramadan for all able Muslims while granting exemptions to the sick, older adults and the weak. The payment of Fidya is an expression of one’s belief and obedience to the injunctions of the faith.

On the other hand, Fidya payments support those going through hunger and malnutrition during the fasting month. Fidya donation involves feeding a poor person for each day of missed fasts in Ramadan.

Looking after the vulnerable and the needy is an important obligation of a Muslim. The month of Ramadan brings the opportunity to give charity in the form of donations like Fidya, Kaffarah, Zakat-al-Fitr and Sadaqah. Donating to alleviate hunger justifies the rationale of Fidya's meaning. The same message is emphasised in the following verse of the Quran, which specifies spending on the needy as an essential quality of the virtuous people.

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

The Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah

The term Fidya is frequently mentioned alongside Kaffarah. While Fidya is paid by those unable to fast for a valid reason, Kaffarah is the expiation for deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan. It is the recompense 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 do not have the means to access Suhoor and Iftar meals. It is specified for those living in conditions of absolute poverty without the financial strength to source daily meals. Those facing challenges to their survival because of food scarcity can accept this donation.

Fidya can also be given to a child in need of food. Children living in poor circumstances can also benefit from your Fidya contribution.

How Much is Fidya for Ramadan?

The amount of Fidya 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 cooking food and inviting deserving people to eat. Al-Bukhari mentioned how a distinguished companion, Anas, used to pay Fidya in 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.”

Fidya donations can be given to deserving people through charities. The charities will buy and distribute food on your behalf to those struggling to provide necessary meals for themselves and their families.

How Much Fidya to Pay in 2024

Fidya in Ramadan 2024 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 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.