What Is Fidya and Kaffarah? A Complete Guide for Muslims Who Cannot Fast
UMMA Farm Team
When Fasting Isn't Possible
Islam is a religion of mercy. While fasting during Ramadan is obligatory, Allah provides alternatives for those who genuinely cannot fast. These alternatives are fidya and kaffarah.
What Is Fidya?
Fidya is a compensation paid by those who are permanently unable to fast — not those who temporarily miss a day and can make it up later.
Who pays fidya?
- Elderly people who cannot safely fast
- People with chronic illnesses that make fasting dangerous
- Pregnant or nursing mothers (scholars differ — some say fidya, others say make up later)
How much? Feed one poor person for each day of fasting missed. In 2026, this is approximately $15-$20 per day, or $450-$600 for the entire month.
What Is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is a more significant penalty for deliberately breaking a fast without valid excuse.
When does kaffarah apply?
- Intentionally eating or drinking during fasting hours without valid reason
- Intentionally breaking a makeup fast (scholars differ)
The requirement:
- First option: Free a slave (no longer applicable)
- Second option: Fast 60 consecutive days
- Third option: Feed 60 poor people — approximately $900-$1,200
Make Your Fidya or Kaffarah Count
When you pay fidya or kaffarah, you're feeding people in need. But you can choose how that feeding happens.
Option A: Buy meals for one day. Impact ends when the meal is eaten.
Option B: Fund food production that feeds people this year AND next year AND the year after. Impact compounds.
UMMA Farm's food production programs turn your fidya into ongoing food security — not just a single meal, but a system that keeps producing.