Noor Thalassemia Foundation

Fidya is a remuneration that needs to be paid by Muslims who miss fasts during Ramadan. Usually, it is advised that if someone misses fasts for some reasons; travelling, temporary illness, and other excuses, he needs to complete the missed fasts whenever possible. However, if someone is unable to complete the fasts, they need to pay Fidya to get Allah’s forgiveness.

In this article, we will discuss what Fidya is, who needs to pay it, and who is not eligible to pay Fidya, so that they can complete the missed fasts of Ramadan. So, let’s start understanding the concept of Fidya of missed fasts in Islam:

What is the Definition of Fidya?

Fidya is a form of compensation imposed by Islam on those who are genuinely unable to complete their fasts during Ramadan. This compensation can be done by feeding the poor.

Remember that you need to pay Fidya for each missed fast separately. Paying Fidya is the only way to get Allah’s forgiveness for not obeying his order to fast during Ramadan. If someone misses the fasts and does not complete them, they do a sinful act.

Who is Subject to Pay Fidya?

Allah has addressed people about the missing fasts. Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran:

"Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you is sick, or if one of you is on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know". (2:184)

So, from this verse, it has been declared that Muslims who miss fasts due to some reasons have to complete their fasts whenever possible. However, if thier excuses are genuine, only then are they exempt from fasting. However, they need to pay Fidya to get forgiveness from Allah. Here is the detailed explanation of who can miss the fasts and pay Fidya:

a) Older and Weak People

People who become old and weak enough that fasting can harm their health can miss the fasts during Ramadan. For example, if someone is older and weak enough that his health is not improving and he knows fasting can make the condition worse, he can miss the fast. Remember that he needs to pay Fidya for all the missed fasts of Ramadan.

b) People with Serious Medical Conditions

Muslims who are suffering from serious medical conditions can also miss their fasts by paying Fidya. For example, if someone is suffering from diabetes and other chronic conditions that can be worsened by fasting, they can miss their fasts, but they have to pay Fidya for each missed fast.

If their condition allows them to fast for a few days, it is the best practice for them to fast as much as they can. However, for the rest of the missed fasts, paying Fidya is the only way to get Allah’s pleasure.

Who is Not Eligible to Pay Fidya?

Sometimes, people suffer from a temporary illness during Ramadan or need to travel, which can restrict them from fasting. Remember that for such conditions, they can miss fasts to get recovered from illness and complete their journey. However, they must complete these missed fasts whenever it is possible for them.

Women under certain conditions, like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menstruation, are advised to miss their fasts. However, they are not subject to pay Fidya for these missed fasts and need to complete these fasts after Ramadan. For further complications and concerns regarding such conditions during Ramadan, you can seek help from Islamic scholars.

How Much is Fidya for Missing One Fast in Ramadan?

Usually, it is advised to offer two meals to a poor person as Fidya or one missed Fast. If it is not possible to feed the poor, you can pay an amount equivalent to two meals.

It is advisable to find out the eligible and deserving people to pay Fidya. However, if you find it difficult to discover the really deserving people, you can pay your Fidya to the organizations that support poor people by offering meals and other basic living standards. Remember that paying Fidya is compulsory. However, if someone cannot pay it during Ramadan, they are allowed to pay whenever it is possible for them. But keep in mind that there is no exemption in it.

Are Fidya and Kaffaraha the Same Things?

From the above discussion, we have obtained the idea about the Fidya. It is only advisable to pay for those who cannot fast due to some genuine reasons. Fidya can be paid by offering two meals to a poor person.

However, Kaffarah is different from Fidya. It is mandatory for those who knowingly break their fasts during Ramadan. Kaffarah becomes mandatory when someone intentionally eats or drinks something during fasting.

Besides this, engaging in sexual activities with the intention while fasting also breaks your fast and makes Kaffarah mandatory to pay. The compensation of Kaffarah is different from Fidya. Kaffarah can be paid by freeing a slave, fasting for sixty consecutive days, or feeding sixty poor.

Give Your Donations to Noor Thalassemia Foundation This Ramadan?

If you need to pay Fidya or other donations in Ramadan, you are requested to pay them to the Noor Thalassemia Foundation. At Noor Thalassemia Foundation, we support poor patients suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, and other blood disorders. Your donations are fairly used to manage a regular supply of blood, medications, medical equipment, and other treatments. Donate to us today and support poor patients who cannot afford the expenses of their treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to pay Fidya?

You need to pay Fidya when you miss the fasts during Ramadan. Remember that Fidya is only allowed if you are under serious conditions where fasting can worsen your condition. Otherwise, you need to complete your missed fasts after Ramadan.

What is the best time to pay Fidya?

There are no restrictions on the time to pay Fidya. You can pay it whenever it is possible for you to pay. However, it is advisable to pay during Ramadan as it can help the poor and bring more barakah to you.

Can I pay Fidya for a temporary ailment?

If you are temporarily ill during Ramadan and cannot fast due to this ailment, you can miss the fasts. However, Fidya is not required to pay for a temporary illness. It is advisable to complete these missed fasts after Ramadan.

What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffaraha?

Fidya is a compensation that you need to pay when you miss fasts during Ramadan. Fidya is mandatory to be paid for each missed fast. On the other hand, Kaffarah is a compensation that is mandatory to be paid by Muslims who deliberately break their fasts during Ramadan.

How much Fidya is required for one missed fast?

If you miss one fast due to a valid reason, you need to feed the poor with two meals. However, if offering meals is not possible, you can pay an amount equal to two meals.