Understanding the Key Differences and Their Meanings
What Is Fidya?
Fidya refers to a mandatory charitable contribution required to make up for missed fasts due to a valid reason. Fidya is specifically intended for individuals who are unable to fast and cannot make up for the missed days at a later date. By paying your fidya amount for 2025, you can provide a meal to two people living in poverty or offer two meals to one person in need.
Who Pays Fidya?
The payment of fidya is required when one misses fasting for a legitimate reason and cannot compensate for it afterward. Here are some individuals permitted to miss their fasts and instead donate fidya:
Elderly people
People who are required to take certain medication
People who experience short-term illnesses throughout Ramadan
People with chronic mental illnesses
Pregnant people
Who Can Receive Fidya?
Fidya must be given only to those in need, similar to Zakat. At Orphans in Need, we ensure that your fidya donations reach those in the most desperate situations, helping to transform the lives of those who need it most.
How Much Is Fidya For Ramadan 2025?
For Ramadan 2025, fidya is calculated at £4 per person per missed fast. Thus, if an individual is unable to fast throughout Ramadan, they would need to donate £120 in total.
Kaffarah is the donation made when someone deliberately misses or breaks a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason. While Kaffarah is not obligatory, it is required unless the individual chooses to make up for the missed fasts by fasting continuously for 60 days. If another fast is missed or broken intentionally during this period, they must start the 60-day fast again. The kaffarah contribution is used to feed 60 people in need.
Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah
When considering the difference between fidya and kaffarah, it's important to note that fidya applies to those who have a valid reason and cannot fast, while kaffarah is required for those who deliberately miss or break a fast without a valid reason. Each serves a unique purpose within Islamic teachings, reflecting the values of compassion and responsibility.
When Should I Pay Fidya/Kaffarah?
Fidya can be paid at any time of the year, not only during Ramadan. You may also donate fidya and kaffarah for missed or broken fasts from previous years during Ramadan if needed.
Is Giving Fidya/Kaffarah Compulsory?
Fasting, or sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which requires all able Muslims past puberty to observe the fasts of Ramadan. For those who cannot fulfil this obligation due to valid reasons or those who miss a fast deliberately, fidya or kaffarah offers a way to fulfil this responsibility compassionately.
