What is
Fidyah?
Fidyah is a mercy from Allah ﷻ for Muslims who are permanently unable to fast due to a valid, long-term reason, such as old age, chronic illness, or a medical condition where fasting would cause harm.
Islam does not burden those who are genuinely unable to fast. Instead, Fidyah allows them to remain connected to Ramadan by feeding a person in need for each fast they miss. It is a simple but meaningful act — turning what you cannot do into relief for someone who may be struggling to eat.
Importance
of Fidyah in Islam
Fidyah is not just a rule — it is a reflection of Allah’s mercy. For those who cannot fast due to genuine, long-term reasons, Islam provides an alternative that still carries reward: feeding the poor.
Allah says:
“(Fasting is) for a fixed number of days. But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. And for those who can fast only with difficulty, there is a ransom: feeding a poor person.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)
From the Sunnah, we see this applied clearly:
“Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) became too old to fast, so he fed a poor person for every day he missed.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
What Can
Be Given as Fidyah?
Fidyah is fulfilled by feeding one poor person for each fast missed. What’s given should be enough to provide a basic, filling meal — the kind of food you would eat yourself.
There are a few accepted ways to give Fidyah:
Providing food directly to a person in need
Cooking and serving a meal
Donating the value of a meal through a charity that feeds the poor on your behalf
Whether it’s a warm iftar, a food parcel, or staple ingredients, the aim is to provide one complete meal for every fast missed.
At Akram Aid, your Fidyah is used to feed those who are genuinely in need — including widows, orphans, and families in crisis.
How to Pay
Fidya for Missed Fasts
Fidyah is paid by giving the cost of one meal for each day of fasting missed.
To fulfil it:
Calculate how many fasts you’ve missed due to a valid, permanent reason
Make your intention for Fidyah in your heart
Give the equivalent of a meal per day — either directly or through a charity you trust
If you’re unsure of the exact number, Islam encourages making a sincere estimate and giving accordingly. What matters most is the intention and the care behind it.
Fulfil Your
Obligation with Sincerity
Not every act of worship looks the same. Some fast. Others feed. Both are loved by Allah.
When you give Fidyah, you honour what you cannot do by helping someone who has even less. It becomes an act of worship wrapped in mercy.
At Akram Aid, we uphold a 100% Donation Policy. That means every penny of your Fidyah goes directly to feeding the poor — with dignity and care. Your fast may be missed, but your reward doesn’t have to be.
Turning
Missed Fasts into Mercy for Others
Your Fidyah is more than a payment — it’s a source of comfort for someone who may be breaking their fast with nothing. At Akram Aid, we ensure your Fidyah reaches families who are truly in need — in places where food is scarce, and the hardship is daily. Every meal given is a reminder that someone cared enough to help.
Distributions take place across our key Ramadan projects:
Gaza Emergency Appeal
Yemen Ramadan Appeal
Ramadan Food Appeal
Ramadan Water Appeal
Through your Fidyah, a family receives not just food, but dignity, relief, and the reminder that the Ummah has not forgotten them. In giving, you fulfil your duty to Allah and share in the reward of feeding the fasting.
Fidyah
FAQs
1. What is Fidyah in Islam?
Fidyah is compensation for missed fasts due to permanent reasons like chronic illness or old age, where fasting is no longer possible.
2. Who needs to pay Fidyah?
Anyone unable to fast permanently due to illness, old age, or health conditions that won’t improve must pay Fidyah instead.
3. How much Fidyah do I need to pay?
Fidyah equals the cost of feeding one poor person for each missed fast. If the entire month of Ramadan is missed, payment is due for each day missed.
4. Can I pay Fidyah in money instead of food?
Yes, you can give the value of a meal in money. Charities like Akram Aid use that to provide food on your behalf.
5. What’s the difference between Fidyah and Kaffarah?
Fidyah is for those who can’t fast permanently. Kaffarah is for breaking a fast intentionally without a valid reason and has stricter conditions.
6. Can I give Fidyah during Ramadan?
Yes, Fidyah can be paid during Ramadan. It’s recommended to give it within the month, especially before Eid, so meals can be provided in time.
7. Can I give Fidyah for someone else?
Yes, you can pay Fidyah on behalf of a parent, elderly relative, or someone unable to do it themselves, as long as it’s with their consent or for their benefit.
8. Is Fidyah mentioned in the Qur’an?
Yes. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184) allows feeding a poor person as compensation for those who are unable to fast with hardship.
9. Do I need to pay Fidyah if I miss fasts temporarily?
No. If the fasts can be made up later (e.g. after travel or short-term illness), you must make them up. Fidyah is only for long-term or permanent cases.
10. How do I calculate missed fasts for Fidyah?
Estimate the number of fasts missed due to a valid, permanent reason. Multiply that by the cost of one daily meal per fast.