Fidya is an Islamic compensation paid when a person is unable to fast during Ramadan due to a valid, permanent reason. It is an act of worship that allows those who genuinely cannot fast — such as the elderly or the chronically ill — to fulfil their obligation to Allah through a form of charitable giving. For UK Muslims, understanding Fidya ensures that no one is left feeling excluded from the spiritual blessings of Ramadan.
What Is Fidya?
Fidya (also spelled Fidyah) is a form of expiation or compensation paid in place of missed Ramadan fasts. It applies to those who are permanently unable to fast and have no prospect of being able to make up the missed fasts at a later date. The word Fidya comes from the Arabic root meaning “ransom” or “redemption”.
Who Needs to Pay Fidya?
Fidya is applicable to people who:
- Are elderly and too frail to fast
- Suffer from a chronic illness that prevents fasting permanently
- Have a medical condition that makes fasting dangerous to their health
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding and a qualified medical professional advises against fasting (in some scholarly opinions)
It is important to note that Fidya is not for those who miss fasts due to temporary illness or travel — those people must make up (Qadha) their missed fasts when they are able to.
What Is the Difference Between Fidya and Kaffarah?
Fidya and Kaffarah are often confused, but they serve different purposes:
- Fidya is paid when someone is unable to fast due to a genuine, permanent excuse (illness, old age).
- Kaffarah is a heavier expiation paid when someone deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast without valid reason.
How Much Is Fidya?
For each missed fast, a person must feed one poor person with the equivalent of two meals — or pay the monetary equivalent. Scholars generally calculate Fidya as the equivalent of one Mudd (approximately 750g) of the local staple food per missed fast.
In practical terms for UK Muslims, most reputable Islamic charities set the Fidya rate at around £5 to £7 per missed fast (amounts vary by year and charity). For an entire month of Ramadan (30 fasts), this would be approximately £150 to £210.
How to Pay Fidya in the UK
UK Muslims can pay Fidya through trusted Islamic charities such as Islamic Relief UK, Muslim Aid, and National Zakat Foundation. These organisations distribute the Fidya payments as food or financial support to those in need, ensuring your expiation reaches people who truly require it.
When Should Fidya Be Paid?
Fidya should ideally be paid during the month of Ramadan for each missed fast, or it can be paid in full at the beginning or end of Ramadan as a lump sum for all the fasts that will be missed. If someone has accumulated unpaid Fidya from previous years, they should pay it as soon as possible, as delaying is not permissible without a valid excuse.
Fidya for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding pregnant and breastfeeding women who miss fasts. Some hold that they only need to make up (Qadha) the missed fasts. Others say they must also pay Fidya. UK Muslims in this situation should consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar for personalised guidance.
Conclusion
Fidya is a compassionate provision in Islamic law that ensures no Muslim is excluded from the spiritual blessings of Ramadan due to genuine incapacity. If you or a loved one is unable to fast, paying Fidya is an act of worship that purifies your obligation and brings direct benefit to those in need. Always consult a qualified scholar if you are uncertain whether Fidya applies to your specific situation.