A compensation paid when unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age.
Fidya is a charitable compensation paid by those who are genuinely unable to fast during Ramadan due to valid, long-term reasons and cannot make up the missed fasts at a later date. It is not a "fine" — it is a merciful alternative provided by Allah for those who physically cannot fulfil the obligation of fasting.
Who Must Pay Fidya?
Fidya applies to those with permanent or long-term inability to fast:
- Chronic illness — Conditions where fasting would be dangerous (e.g., diabetes requiring regular medication)
- Old age — Elderly Muslims for whom fasting causes genuine hardship
- Terminal illness — Where recovery and future fasting are not expected
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding — If making up fasts later is not possible (scholars differ on this)
Important: If you miss fasts due to temporary illness or travel, you are expected to make them up later — Fidya does not apply in these cases.
How Much Is Fidya?
Fidya is calculated as feeding one poor person for each day of fasting missed. The standard amount is approximately £5 per day, equating to £150 for the entire month of Ramadan. This covers two meals (equivalent to Suhoor and Iftar) for one person.
Fidya vs Kaffarah
Fidya should not be confused with Kaffarah. Fidya is for those who cannot fast, while Kaffarah is an expiation for those who deliberately break a fast. Kaffarah is a much larger amount — approximately £300 per day broken.
Pay Your Fidya
You can fulfil your Fidya obligation by donating iftar meals or food packs through our charity. Every donation is delivered Hand2Hand with 100% going to those in need.
