Added to your Barakah Basket! Explore more ways to uplift lives
Donate

Your Barakah Basket

You have no items in your basket

Sadaqah starts with intention, here are some ways to begin:

Explore Causes
Who Should Pay Fidya and Why
Latest News

Who Should Pay Fidya and Why

Understand who must pay Fidya, the valid reasons for it, and how it supports those in need while fulfilling Islamic duties.

Introduction

Fidya is a carefully defined obligation in Islam, not a general substitute for fasting in Ramadan. It applies only to Muslims who are genuinely unable to fast due to lasting reasons and cannot make up missed fasts later. Understanding who should pay Fidya is essential to fulfilling religious duties correctly and avoiding unnecessary hardship.

 

Islam recognises that fasting during the month of Ramadan is a central act of worship, one of the pillars of Islam. At the same time, Allah SWT does not command acts that cause harm. Where fasting would worsen health conditions or is permanently impossible, Islam replaces fasting with a charitable obligation rooted in mercy.

Fidya ensures accountability without cruelty. It preserves the sanctity of Ramadan while allowing those exempt from fasting to remain spiritually active through feeding the poor. This balance reflects the wisdom of Islamic law and its concern for both faith and wellbeing.

Who Is Required to Pay Fidya?

Fidya must be paid by Muslims who cannot fast in Ramadan and cannot make up those fasts later. This includes elderly individuals whose strength has declined permanently and those suffering from chronic illnesses where fasting would pose a serious risk.

In these cases, fasting is not postponed; it is waived entirely. Fidya obligation replaces fasting, requiring the believer to feed one needy person for every day of fasting missed. This ensures worship continues in a form that protects health and honours divine guidance.

Who Is Exempt From Paying Fidya?

Fidya does not apply to temporary circumstances. Muslims who miss fasts due to short-term illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or being ill or on a journey are expected to fast later when able. These missed fasts are made up through qada, not Fidya.

 

Islam distinguishes clearly between permanent and temporary inability. Where fasting can be resumed later, Fidya is not permitted. This protects Fidya from misuse and ensures it remains a mercy for genuine need.

Fidya, Missed Fasts, and Accountability

Fidya is not an option for those who fast without a valid excuse or deliberately break their fast. In such cases, Fidya does not apply. Instead, the individual must pay Kaffarah, a far more serious expiation that involves fasting for two Islamic months or feeding 60 poor people.

This distinction between fidya and kaffarah safeguards the seriousness of fasting in Ramadan. Fidya or Kaffarah is not a choice; the obligation depends entirely on why the fast was missed.

Why Fidya Is Required

Fidya exists to ensure no Muslim is excluded from Ramadan’s blessings. Feeding others is a powerful form of worship in Islam. Through fidya charity, those unable to fast still earn reward while supporting people facing hunger and hardship.

 

Allah SWT links fasting and feeding the poor throughout the Qur’an, emphasising compassion alongside discipline. Fidya transforms personal limitation into social benefit, reinforcing community care during Ramadan.

The Social Wisdom Behind Fidya

Fidya creates a cycle of compassion. Those experiencing physical limitations support those experiencing poverty. Ramadan becomes a shared experience rather than an individual struggle.

By institutionalising charity, Fidya strengthens the ummah and ensures that fasting in Ramadan remains connected to justice, dignity, and mercy for all.

Conclusion

Fidya is required only when fasting is permanently impossible. It replaces fasting with charity, protects health, and upholds worship. When paid correctly, Fidya fulfils religious duty while feeding those most in need, reflecting the mercy and balance at the heart of Islam.

FAQs:

  • Who should pay Fidya?
    Fidya must be paid by Muslims who cannot fast during Ramadan and will never be able to make up those fasts later due to permanent conditions such as chronic illness or old age. It does not apply to temporary situations where fasting can be completed later.
  • Do elderly people have to pay Fidya?
    Yes, elderly individuals who are permanently unable to fast due to declining health must pay Fidya. They are exempt from fasting itself but must fulfil the obligation by feeding one needy person for every day of fasting missed.
  • Do people with chronic illnesses pay Fidya?
    Yes, Muslims with chronic illnesses that make fasting harmful or impossible must pay Fidya if recovery is not expected. This allows them to fulfil their obligation through charity while protecting their health.
  • Is Fidya required for temporary illness or travel?
    No, Fidya is not required for temporary illness or travel. Missed fasts due to short-term conditions should be completed later once the person is able to fast again.
  • What if someone deliberately breaks a fast?
    Fidya does not apply if someone deliberately breaks or skips a fast without a valid excuse. In such cases, Kaffarah is required, either by fasting for two Islamic months or by feeding 60 poor people.
  • How does Islamic Help use Fidya donations?
    Islamic Help uses Fidya donations exclusively to provide meals to vulnerable families. Funds are allocated through trusted local partners to ensure each donation feeds the correct number of people with dignity and care.
  • Does Islamic Help verify Fidya distribution?
    Yes, Islamic Help monitors and verifies Fidya distributions through local partners and reporting systems. This ensures donations are used correctly and reach families facing genuine food insecurity.
  • Can Fidya be paid on behalf of someone else through Islamic Help?
    Yes, family members or guardians may pay Fidya on behalf of someone unable to do so themselves. Islamic Help accepts such donations and ensures they are distributed in line with Islamic guidance.

updates that matter

Empower my Inbox

Volunteer

Vivamus lacinia lacus vel neque egestas, vitae volutpat purus dapibus. Nullam nec ultricies erat. Etiam ac urna metus.

    Updates that matter

    Join our mailing list for events, urgent appeals, and project updates from the communities you help empower.

      We use cookies to make your visit even better

      They help us understand how our website is used so we can improve your experience and share the stories and projects you care about most. All data is anonymous, and your privacy matters to us.
      We use cookies to make your visit even better