Kaffarah
If you’re unable to fast during Ramadan due to health or age, pay your Fidya now and help feed those in need.
Quick Calculator
0
Choose how many people you're giving Fitrana for and calculate your total with ease.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah (expiation) is a severe penalty for intentionally breaking a fast during the month of Ramadan without a valid reason. In Islam, if someone deliberately misses or invalidates a day of fasting in Ramadan with no excuse, they must compensate for it by performing a much greater act of worship or charity. Kaffarah is different from Fidya: Fidya applies when you genuinely cannot fast, whereas Kaffarah is enacted when one can fast but willfully doesn’t. It underscores the gravity of purposefully neglecting a sacred duty.
Scholar Approved
02/10/26
“An Islamic quote that relates to this form of giving. If there is no specific quote appropriate, a general quote on the importance of giving that could still relate to project”
Who must pay Kaffarah?
Anyone who deliberately breaks their fast in Ramadan without a valid excuse is obligated to give Kaffarah. This could mean intentionally eating or drinking during a fast, or deliberately invalidating the fast.
The rule is applied that only one Kaffarah is due for multiple violations. (Note: if a fast was missed for a legitimate reason like illness, then Fidya or making up the fast applies instead, not Kaffarah.)
How do you fulfil Kaffarah?
Kaffarah can be fulfilled in two primary ways: fasting or feeding the poor. The first is to fast for two Islamic months. This prolonged fasting represents sincere repentance. If a person is unable to fast for two Islamic months,
then the alternative is to feed 60 needy people. Many choose to support the feeding program through charitable donations. Essentially, you provide the equivalent of feeding 60 individuals to atone for breaking a fast.
“An Islamic quote that relates to this form of giving. If there is no specific quote appropriate, a general quote on the importance of giving that could still relate to project”
Why is Kaffarah important?
Kaffarah is a means of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and demonstrating genuine remorse for violating the sanctity of Ramadan. The requirement may seem complicated, but it serves as a deterrent and a path to redemption.
By completing Kaffarah, a believer shows their commitment to honouring Allah’s commands. Moreover, if one chooses to feed the poor, this mistake becomes mercy, providing food for dozens of people. Thus, Kaffarah not only cleanses one’s soul through repentance but also spreads compassion to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What situations require a Kaffarah?Kaffarah is required if you intentionally break a Ramadan fast without a valid excuse or break a serious oath. These are willful actions. Missing a fast due to illness or travel, or breaking an oath by mistake, doesn’t need Kaffarah. Those cases involve making up fasts or imposing no penalty.
-
What is the Kaffarah for a deliberately broken fast?Deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast carries a very heavy Kaffarah. The person must either fast for two Islamic months or feed 60 poor people to atone for that one day. Each such intentionally broken fast requires its own Kaffarah, and the person still needs to make up the fast later.
-
What is the Kaffarah for a broken oath?For a broken oath, you must either feed 10 needy people, clothe 10 people, or free a slave. If unable to do any, you must fast for 3 days. Many fulfil this by donating the cost of feeding 10 people. Each oath broken requires a separate Kaffarah.
-
Do I need to give Kaffarah for fasts I missed due to illness or for accidentally breaking the fast?No. If you missed or broke a fast due to illness, travel, or genuine forgetfulness, Kaffarah isn’t required. These are valid reasons. You simply make up the missed fasts later. Kaffarah applies only when a fast is deliberately and knowingly broken without a valid excuse.
-
Can I pay money to fulfil Kaffarah, or do I have to feed people myself?Yes, you can pay a trusted charity to fulfil Kaffarah on your behalf. Instead of personally feeding 60 or 10 people, you donate the cost, and the organisation distributes food accordingly. This method ensures your obligation is fulfilled and that the required people are properly supported.
-
When should I complete my Kaffarah?Kaffarah should be completed as soon as possible. There’s no fixed deadline, but delaying it isn’t advised. If it involves fasting for two Islamic months, beginning as soon as possible. If feeding the poor, donate promptly. Timely fulfilment reflects sincere repentance and ensures the needy receive support without delay.
Real Stories, Real Impact
IH newsroom
IH Watch
The Grandmother who raised a village by herself
Smiles, laughter and relief as families see clean water spring to life for the very first time. Hope and dignity for the displaced…
Watch Now
IH Watch
Stitching Hope: Sewing Machines Creating Futures with Dignity
Smiles, laughter and relief as families see clean water spring to life for the very first time. Hope and dignity for the displaced…
Watch Now
IH Watch
Gaza Emergency: Updates from the field
Smiles, laughter and relief as families see clean water spring to life for the very first time. Hope and dignity for the displaced…
Watch Now
