Kaffarah UK is the Islamic expiation that every Muslim must know.Kaffarah is a form of Islamic expiation or atonement for serious religious transgressions. It is a prescribed act of worship required when a Muslim deliberately breaks certain obligations, such as a Ramadan fast or a sworn oath. Understanding Kaffarah is essential for UK Muslims who wish to maintain their spiritual purity and fulfil their obligations to Allah.
What Is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah (Arabic: كفارة) comes from the root word meaning “to cover” or “to expiate”. It refers to the prescribed expiation a Muslim must perform to atone for certain grave sins, particularly the deliberate breaking of a Ramadan fast or the violation of a solemn oath. It is distinct from Fidya, which applies to those who are unable to fast.
Types of Kaffarah
There are two main types of Kaffarah that UK Muslims commonly need to know about:
1. Kaffarah for Breaking a Ramadan Fast
If a Muslim deliberately breaks their Ramadan fast — through eating, drinking, smoking, or sexual intercourse — without a valid excuse, they are required to perform Kaffarah. According to Islamic law, the expiation must be carried out in the following order:
- Free a slave (no longer applicable in modern times)
- Fast for two consecutive months (60 days without interruption)
- Feed 60 poor people (if unable to complete the 60-day fast)
2. Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath
If a Muslim breaks a sworn oath (Yamin), the Kaffarah is lighter and involves one of the following:
- Feed 10 poor people with the equivalent of an average daily meal
- Clothe 10 poor people
- Free a slave (no longer applicable)
- If none of the above is possible, fast for 3 days
How Much Is Kaffarah in the UK?
For the Kaffarah of a broken Ramadan fast, feeding 60 poor people is the most commonly chosen option for UK Muslims who cannot fast for 60 consecutive days. Most reputable UK Islamic charities set the Kaffarah donation rate at approximately £10 per person, making the total £600 per broken fast (60 people x £10). These amounts may vary slightly by charity and year.
What Breaks a Ramadan Fast and Requires Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is required when a fast is broken deliberately and without valid reason. Actions that require Kaffarah include:
- Deliberately eating or drinking
- Smoking or using recreational substances
- Engaging in sexual intercourse
Breaking a fast due to illness, travel, or forgetfulness does not require Kaffarah — only Qadha (making up the missed fast) is required in those cases.
How to Pay Kaffarah in the UK
UK Muslims can fulfil their Kaffarah obligation by donating to trusted Islamic charities such as Islamic Relief UK, Muslim Aid, and Human Appeal, which will distribute the funds as food to people in need. Always ensure you use a reputable, verified charity to guarantee your Kaffarah reaches those who are genuinely impoverished.
The Difference Between Kaffarah and Fidya
- Kaffarah: A heavy expiation for deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast or oath. It requires feeding 60 people (or fasting 60 days).
- Fidya: A lighter compensation for those permanently unable to fast, requiring feeding one person per missed fast.
Conclusion
Kaffarah is a mercy from Allah that provides a defined pathway to seek forgiveness and atonement for serious religious transgressions. If you have deliberately broken a Ramadan fast or violated a solemn oath, fulfilling your Kaffarah is an urgent and important duty. Seek guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar if you are unsure how Kaffarah applies to your specific circumstances.
To fulfil your Kaffarah UK obligation, contact a trusted Islamic scholar or donate through charities such as National Zakat Foundation UK or Islamic Relief UK, both of which can facilitate Kaffarah UK payments on your behalf, ensuring your obligation is met correctly and promptly.
How Much Kaffarah UK Do I Need to Pay in 2025?
For Ramadan 2025, the standard Kaffarah UK rate for feeding 60 people has been set at approximately £600 per deliberately broken fast by most major UK Islamic charities. This equates to £10 per person. If you are unable to fast for 60 consecutive days, paying Kaffarah UK through a reputable charity is the recommended option. Many UK charities, such as Human Appeal and Muslim Aid, offer online Kaffarah UK payment options that make it simple to fulfil your obligation from the comfort of your home.
Is Kaffarah UK the Same as Fidya?
No — Kaffarah UK and Fidya are two distinct forms of Islamic compensation, and they must not be confused. Kaffarah UK is a heavy expiation required when someone deliberately breaks a Ramadan fast or violates a sworn oath. Fidya, by contrast, is a lighter compensation paid by those who are genuinely unable to fast at all — such as the elderly or the chronically ill — and have no prospect of making up the missed fasts. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, read our detailed guide onFidya in Islam