Fidyah — Frequently Asked Questions

Qada means making up missed fasts at a later date. Fidyah is compensation paid when making up the fasts is not possible. If you missed fasts due to a temporary illness or travel, you must do Qada — make up each missed fast. Fidyah only applies when you have a permanent or long-term condition that prevents you from ever fasting again.

Fidyah is compensation for fasts that could not be kept due to a genuine inability — old age, chronic illness, or a permanent condition. Kaffarah is expiation for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid excuse. Fidyah is a replacement. Kaffarah is an atonement. They are completely separate obligations with different conditions and amounts.

Scholars differ on this. The Hanafi position is that pregnant and breastfeeding women must do Qada only — making up the missed fasts later, with no Fidyah required. The Shafi'i and Hanbali positions allow Fidyah in addition to or instead of Qada in some circumstances. Follow your madhab or consult a scholar you trust for your specific situation.

Yes. If you are permanently unable to fast, Fidyah is due every Ramadan for the fasts you miss. It is not a one-time payment — it is owed each year for as long as you are unable to fast. The amount is calculated per day missed, so for a full Ramadan of 30 days, you would pay 30 days worth of Fidyah each year.

The Fidyah you paid while you were genuinely unable to fast is valid and accepted. Now that you are able to fast, you should resume fasting normally and do Qada for any recent missed fasts if applicable. You do not need to repay or recalculate past Fidyah — it was paid under the correct conditions at the time.

Yes. A family member may pay Fidyah on behalf of an elderly or ill person who is unable to pay themselves. The intention should be made on behalf of the person who owes the Fidyah. There is no scholarly objection to a child, spouse, or relative fulfilling this obligation on behalf of a loved one.

If a person dies with outstanding Fidyah they were unable to pay during their lifetime, their family may pay it on their behalf from the estate. The Prophet ﷺ indicated that fasting debts can be fulfilled on behalf of the deceased, and scholars extend this ruling to Fidyah. It is an act of kindness and responsibility toward the deceased.

It is never too late. The obligation remains regardless of how much time has passed. You should calculate the total number of missed fasts from all previous years and pay the corresponding Fidyah as soon as you are able. Do not delay further. Seek forgiveness and fulfill the obligation.

The amount per missed fast is based on the value of one Sa' of a staple food — the same rate used for Fitrah. It is set annually based on current food prices. Check with a local Islamic organization or scholar before Ramadan each year for the current amount.

Yes. The original form of Fidyah is feeding a poor person directly — providing one full meal per missed fast. This can be done by cooking and giving food directly to a poor Muslim, or by donating the cash equivalent to a trustworthy organization that will use it to feed the poor. Both are valid.

Scholars differ on this. Some permit giving the full Fidyah amount to one poor person across multiple days. Others prefer that each day's Fidyah goes to a different person. The safer and more common position is to feed multiple people where possible. If only one eligible recipient is available, giving to one person is acceptable.

When given through a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Fidyah donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by US law. Retain your donation receipt for your records.