Fidya & Kaffara – Imrcusa

Fidya & Kaffara 2026 Complete Guide – IMRC

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Fidya

For Valid Reasons

Compensation for fasts you cannot make up. One meal per day missed.

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Kaffara

For Intentional Breaking

Penalty for deliberately breaking fast. Feed 60 people or fast 60 days.

What Are Fidya & Kaffara?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship during Ramadan. However, Islam recognizes that not everyone can fast—whether due to medical conditions, old age, pregnancy, or other valid reasons. Additionally, some Muslims may intentionally break their fast without valid justification. For these situations, Islam provides two mechanisms for accountability and compassion: Fidya and Kaffara.

Both are rooted in the Quranic principle of compensation and mercy, allowing Muslims to fulfill their obligations while supporting those in need. They transform a personal challenge into an act of charity that directly feeds and supports vulnerable families.

The Quranic Foundation

“Fast a prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then [let them fast] an equal number of days [after Ramadan]. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person for every day not fasted. But whoever volunteers good, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (Quran 2:184)

Fidya: Compensation for Unable Fasters

Fidya (فِدْيَة) literally means “ransom” or “compensation.” It is the charitable payment made by Muslims who cannot fast during Ramadan for valid reasons AND cannot make up the fasts at a later time.

Who Must Pay Fidya?

You are obligated to pay Fidya if you fall into one of these categories:

Chronically Ill (Long-term): Those with permanent or prolonged illnesses that prevent fasting indefinitely
Elderly & Frail: Senior citizens whose age makes fasting extremely difficult or dangerous
Pregnant Women: Who choose not to fast (though they must make it up later if able)
Breastfeeding Mothers: Who cannot fast safely while nursing
Menstruating/Postpartum Women: Who will make up the fasts later (not Fidya per Hanafi school)
Cannot Make Up Fasts: Those who have a valid reason to miss fasts but will never be able to make them up

Important Distinction

❓ Can you make up the missed fasts later?

YES Pay Qaza (make-up fasts) — Not Fidya. You can fast these days after Ramadan whenever you’re able.

NO (Never able) Pay Fidya — Because you’ll never be able to fast these days, compensation is required.

Fidya Amount for 2026

The amount of Fidya depends on the cost of feeding one person in your region:

💵 USA & Western Countries

$5-$15 per day

Based on cost of an average meal. Islamic Relief USA recommends $15/day or $450 for full month

🇬🇧 UK Standard

£4-£6 per day

Approximately £120-£180 for the full month of Ramadan

Quick Calculation Example

If you missed 15 days and your region uses $10/day:

$150

15 days × $10 per day = $150 Fidya