Fidya and kaffarah: A guide to payments for missed fasts in Ramadan

In Islam, fidya and kaffarah are two distinct forms of expiation related to fasting, particularly during Ramadan. Both address different situations and are rooted in the principles of accountability and compassion in Islamic teachings. Here’s an explanation of each, along with their purpose, rulings, and key differences.

Fidya: compensatory payment for missed fasts

Definition:
Fidya is a compensatory payment made by individuals who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to valid reasons such as chronic illness, old age, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. These individuals are permanently exempt from fasting and cannot make up the missed fasts later.

Purpose:
Fidya allows such individuals to fulfill their religious obligation by helping the poor and needy. It serves as a form of charity that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

How it works:
Fidya involves feeding one poor person for each day of fasting missed. This is typically calculated based on the cost of providing two meals or an equivalent monetary amount. For example, the fidya amount for 2025 may vary depending on local food costs, and organizations on LaunchGood often provide updated rates.

Qur'anic basis:
Allah says in the Qur'an:

“And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

Kaffarah: atonement for deliberate violations

Definition:
Kaffarah is a penalty imposed on individuals who deliberately break their fast during Ramadan without a valid reason, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual relations during fasting hours. Kaffarah also applies to breaking oaths or committing certain other religious violations.

Purpose:
Kaffarah serves as atonement for the deliberate violation of fasting rules or other religious obligations. It is a way to seek forgiveness and make amends for the transgression.

How it works:
For breaking a fast intentionally during Ramadan, kaffarah involves:

1. Freeing a slave (historically applicable).

2. If unable, fasting for 60 consecutive days.

3. If unable to fast, feeding 60 poor people.

For breaking an oath, kaffarah involves:

1. Feeding 10 poor people, clothing them, or freeing a slave.

2. If none of these are possible, fasting for three consecutive days.

Qur'anic basis:
Allah says:

“But those who can fast (but) with hardship, they have to compensate by feeding a poor person for each day (missed).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

Key differences between fidya and kaffarah

While both fidya and kaffarah involve compensatory actions, they differ significantly in their purpose and application:

1. Reason:

• Fidya: Applicable to those unable to fast due to valid reasons like chronic illness or old age.

• Kaffarah: Imposed for deliberate violations of fasting rules or other religious obligations.

2. Obligation:

• Fidya: Feeding one poor person per missed day of fasting.

• Kaffarah: Fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people per broken fast.

3. Applicability:

• Fidya: For those who cannot make up missed fasts later.

• Kaffarah: For intentional violations requiring atonement.

The calculation of fidya and kaffarah in Ramadan 2024 varies depending on the country and the cost of feeding a needy person locally. Both obligations ensure that missed or broken fasts are compensated in accordance with Islamic teachings while supporting the less fortunate. Below is a detailed explanation of how these amounts are determined and applied.

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