Fidya is considered a form of compensation in Islam. It is paid by those Muslims who cannot fast during the month of Holy Ramadan due to some genuine reasons. It is advised by Islam that if someone cannot fast during Ramadan, they can complete missed fasts during Ramadan.

However, if someone is unable to complete them even after Ramadan, then they need to pay Fidya to get Allah’s forgiveness. This article highlights what Fidya is and who needs to pay it. However, we will also go through the importance of fasting in Ramadan, encouraging people not miss fast without any valid reasons:

What is Fidya in Islam?

Fidya is an obligatory compensation that needs to be paid by Muslims who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to some valid reasons. For example, old people and those who are suffering from chronic medical conditions can miss fast and pay Fidya for not being sinful.

Fidya can be done by feeding the poor people. If you miss one fast, you need to offer a one or two-time meal to a deserving person. You need to pay Fidya for the same days you missed fasts during Ramadan. However, for more complications and concerns, you must contact Islamic scholars to resolve the ambiguities, if you have any.

Who Should Pay Fidya?

Keep in mind that if someone cannot fast during Ramadan, they are subject to complete the missed fasts after Ramadan. Allah (SWT) mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

"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;184 and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know". (2:184)

However, under certain conditions, people are exempt from fasting:

Older People

People who are older and weak enough that their health will not improve can miss the fast of Ramadan. However, they need to pay Fidya as an obligation or compensation to get forgiveness from Allah. If they cannot fast throughout the month, they need to pay Fidya for the whole of the month, which is to feed the poor for the entire month.

People with Chronic Illness

People with chronic illnesses who are afraid of getting their conditions worse with fasting can also miss their fasts during Ramadan. The first condition for them is to complete their fasts when they recover from the illness.

However, if their conditions are worse, like they are suffering from diabetes and other medical conditions that can get worse during fasting, they can miss the fast and pay Fidya. If you can fast for a few days, then it is better to do that; however, if your condition does not allow you to fast even for a single day, you need to pay Fidya for the entire month of Ramadan.

Permanently Sick People

Besides this, Fidya also applies to people who are permanently sick. For example, people who are ill permanently and cannot fast as it can harm them, they can miss the fast and pay Fidya.

How much is Fidya for Missed Fasts?

When you miss one fast, Fidya becomes mandatory to pay. Fidya is to feed the poor a two-time meal. It is mandatory for you to find a poor or needy person and feed them, or to give them an amount equal to two-time meal. If you are unable to calculate or find how much Fidya you need to pay, follow the given estimated calculations to get the results.

For example, if Fidya for two meals is 1000 PKR, then multiply the number of days you missed the fast by 1000, and the amount you will get is the Fidya to pay.

Example:

Missed Fasts = 30

Fidya for on fast = 1,000

1,000 x 30 = 30,000

Well, this is an estimated calculation just to clear the concept of paying Fidya. You need to contact the Islamic scholars in your town or to watch speech of renowned scholars through the media to find out the exact amount to pay Fidya in Ramadan 2026.

Difference between Fidya and Kaffarah

Some people are confused about Fidya and Kaffarah. Keep in mind that Fidya and Kaffarah are two different things. Throughout our discussion, we concluded that Fidya is a compensation to pay by Muslims who cannot fast during Ramadan, because of some genuine reasons.

However, Kaffaraha is a compensation to pay when someone knowingly breaks the fast during Ramadan. Remember that your fast is broken when, during fasting, you eat or drink something and engage in sexual activities intentionally. Unlike Fidya, the compensation for Kaffarah is different. If you deliberately break one fast, you need to free a slave, fast for 60 consecutive days, or feed 60 poor people.

What is the Importance of Fasting in Ramadan?

Fasting is of great value in Islam. The idea of its value can be taken from the fact that it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Without fasting, the religion cannot be said to be complete. Here is how important fasting is in Ramadan:

a) Fasting is an obligation for all adult and healthy Muslims. It is a direct command from Allah, and following this obligation makes us obedient to our Lord.

b) Fasting teaches us self-control, bringing more power to our faith.

c) Fasting brings the values of patience and discipline to our personalities.

d) Fasting brings spiritual rewards. We do fasting and offer prayers to get Allah’s mercy and His forgiveness.

e) Fasting also improves our physical health. Studies have shown that regular fasting during Ramadan maintains blood sugar levels and lowers the risks of heart diseases and cancers.

Give Your Donations to SundasFoundation

If you or one of your family members is not able to fast during Ramadan and wants to pay Fidya to get forgiveness from Allah, pay your Fidya. You can give Fidya and other donations to Sundas Foundation, a non-profit and non-governmental organization.

The organization works to support patients suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, and other blood disorders. Your charity or donations are used to support individuals and families who are poor and cannot afford the treatment expenses. So, donate now and support needy patients to get their dua and Allah’s blessings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to pay Fidya in Ramadan?

People who cannot fast during Ramadan due to some valid reasons are subject to pay Fidya to get forgiveness from Allah.

What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah?

Fidya is a compensation to pay for missing fasts during Ramadan. However, Kaffarah is a compensation mandatory to pay when someone knowingly breaks the fast during Ramadan.

What is the difference between Fidya and Fitra?

Fidya is an obligatory compensation paid by Muslims who miss their fasts during Ramadan because of some genuine reasons. However, Fitra is an obligation that needs to be paid by Muslims who have wealth in excess of their basic living expenses.

What is the minimum Fidya to pay for a missed fast?

The minimum Fidya for one missed fast is to offer two meals to a poor person or offer an amount equal to two meals.

What if my fasts are missed due to a temporary ailment?

If someone missed the fasts during Ramadan due to a temporary ailment, they must complete the missed fasts after Ramadan, when they have fully recovered. Remember that the option to pay Fidya is for those who are permanently ill or weak and find it hard to maintain fasting during Ramadan.