Fidya and Kaffarah in Islam
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an obligation on every adult Muslim who is physically and mentally able to fast. But sometimes, due to illness, old age, or other genuine reasons, a person might not be able to keep their fasts. Islam, being a religion of mercy, provides solutions in such cases through Fidya and Kaffarah.
What is Fidya?
Fidya is a religious compensation given by someone who cannot fast due to genuine reasons and has no hope of making up the fasts later.
When is Fidya Paid?
- If a person is too old and weak to fast.
- If someone has a chronic illness with no expectation of recovery.
- If someone has a chronic illness with no expectation of recovery.
How Much is Fidya?
The amount of Fidya is equal to feeding one poor person two meals for each missed fast.
- Example: If someone cannot fast for the whole month of Ramadan (30 days), they should provide food for 30 poor people, or the equivalent value in money.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is a heavier penalty compared to Fidya. It applies when a person intentionally breaks a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason (such as eating, drinking, or having marital relations during fasting hours).
When is Kaffarah Due?
- If someone knowingly and deliberately breaks a fast without a valid excuse.
- If a person invalidates the fast through an action that is prohibited during fasting.
How to Pay Kaffarah?
Kaffarah has three options, in this order:
- Fasting for 60 consecutive days (without missing even one).
- If unable to do that, then feeding 60 poor people two meals each.
- Or, providing clothing for 60 poor people.
Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah
- Fidya is for those who cannot fast due to genuine reasons and cannot make it up later.
- Kaffarah is a penalty for breaking a fast deliberately without excuse.
Why This Matters
These rulings show the balance of mercy and discipline in Islam. Allah does not burden anyone beyond their capacity, but at the same time, He expects us to respect the sanctity of Ramadan. Paying Fidya or Kaffarah ensures that we don’t lose the spiritual and social benefits of fasting, even if we cannot physically perform it.
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