Fidya &Kaffarah

The month of Ramadan is a time for purification and reflection when all able Muslims should fast and abstain from vices. If you are not able to fast, you must either pay Fidya or Kaffarah to make up for each missed fast. These contributions will help to feed those living in poverty.

What is Fidya?

Fidya is the Islamic name for the obligatory charitable contribution made when you cannot fast either through illness, old age or pregnancy and should only be made if you cannot make up your fasts at a later date. Contributing your Fidya amount 2021 for not fasting will feed someone living in poverty twice or help to provide two impoverished people with a meal each.

How Much is Fidya for Ramadan 2021?

The Fidya 2021 amount is £4 per person per fast that is missed. Should an individual miss their fasts for the whole of Ramadan, the total expected Fidya charity contribution would be £120.

Who Should Give Fidya?

If you cannot fast because you are either ill or need to take medication, too old or frail, travelling, pregnant or breastfeeding, then you must pay Fidya for every fast missed.

If you are able to make up your missed fasts at a later date, then it is advised you do so on top of paying Fidya unless you are of old age and/or critically ill.

Remember, fasting in Islam is not intended to burden any of those who are ill or travelling and therefore exemptions are made to make it easier. If you are still unsure, talk to your local Imam or mosque leader for further guidance.

Who Can Receive Fidya?

Fidya is given to the poor and is usually the value of feeding one hungry person for a day.

“Yet for those who are hardly able to endure it [and do not fast], the redemption [for each day] is feeding an indigent person [instead]” (Al-Baqarah 2:184).

Many people consider Fidya to be similar to Zakat that is given to the less-fortunate. The Fidya amount for Ramadan 2021 is £4 per person per day.

What is the Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah?

Fidya is when you are unable to fast or are exempt from fasting for valid reasons. Kaffarah is when you intentionally miss or break your fast without a valid reason.

What is Kaffarah?

Kaffarah is the donation made when you deliberately miss or break your fast during the month of Ramadan without a valid reason. Kaffarah is not an obligatory contribution as you can choose to fast continuously for 60 days, although, if you intentionally miss or break another fast, you must begin the 60 days again. The Kaffarah contribution is used to feed 60 people living in poverty.

How Much is Kaffarah for Breaking Fast?

The Kaffarah 2021 amount for Ramadan this year is £240 for each missed or broken fast, a figure capable of providing meals for 60 people living in poverty.