Fidya is a charitable payment made when someone cannot fast during Ramadan due to permanent illness or valid long-term reasons and cannot make up the missed days later.
Key Facts About Fidya 2026
- Fidya per day in 2026: $5 / £5 / Rs 500
- For full Ramadan (30 days): $150 / £150 / Rs 15,000
- Purpose: Feeds one needy person for each day missed
- Eligibility: Only for those with permanent conditions preventing future fasting
- Not the same as Kaffarah: Kaffarah is for deliberately breaking fasts ($400 or 60 consecutive fasts)
What is Fidya in Islam?
Fidya is a religious donation that compensates for missed Ramadan fasts when someone is genuinely unable to fast and cannot realistically make up those days in the future. This concept comes directly from the Quran: “Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be 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.” (Quran 2:184)
Fidya isn’t a penalty—it’s a compassionate exemption that allows those facing permanent health challenges to remain spiritually connected to Ramadan’s blessings while supporting the needy.
Who Should Pay Fidya?
You are eligible to pay fidya if you meet these conditions:
Valid Reasons for Fidya:
- Chronic or terminal illness that prevents fasting permanently
- Old age with physical frailty
- Long-term medical conditions requiring regular medication or food intake
- Permanent disabilities that make fasting medically dangerous
Important Note: Fidya applies only when you cannot make up the fasts later. If your condition is temporary, you must perform qada (making up missed fasts) after Ramadan instead.
Who is NOT Eligible for Fidya?
Fidya does not apply if you have a temporary illness that will heal, miss fasts while traveling, or accidentally break your fast. In the Hanafi madhab, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must make up fasts later, not pay fidya, since their condition is considered temporary.
Fidya Amount 2026: How Much Per Day?
The fidya per day for Ramadan 2026 is calculated based on the cost of feeding one needy person for one day:
| Currency | Fidya Per Day | Full Month (30 Days) |
| US | $5 | $150 |
| UK | £5 | £150 |
| Pakistan | Rs 500 | Rs 15,000 |
This amount provides one or two meals to someone in need, following the Quranic principle: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8).
How the Amount is Determined
Classical Islamic texts describe feeding a needy person using a standard staple-food measure for each day missed. Organizations convert this to current meal costs and publish updated rates annually to ensure the amount remains realistic and truly feeds those in need.
Fidya vs Kaffarah: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse fidya and kaffarah, but they serve different purposes. Fidya is for inability to fast due to valid permanent reasons, usually costing $5 per missed day. In contrast, kaffarah is for deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason. If you break a fast on purpose without a valid exemption, kaffarah is required. The original missed day must still be made up separately.
Who Can Receive Fidya?
Fidya must be given to the poor and needy. Scholars consider fidya similar to zakat, so those eligible to receive fidya include the eight categories mentioned in the Quran, such as individuals who have little to no income and struggle to meet their basic daily needs.
The best candidates for fidya are individuals and families facing extreme poverty and food insecurity who cannot access proper Suhoor and Iftar meals during Ramadan. Your fidya provides them with essential nutrition during the blessed month, allowing them to break their fasts with dignity while you fulfill your religious obligation.
How to Donate Your Fidya 2026
Paying your fidya is simple through trusted charitable organizations. When you donate, you should calculate your amount by multiplying the number of missed days by the fidya per day rate. You can use a zakat-calculator to ensure your total is correct before making your payment online.
Ready to fulfill your obligation? Donate your Fidya today and support families in desperate need this Ramadan. Your contribution provides essential meals and keeps you connected to Ramadan’s spiritual rewards.
When to Pay Fidya
You can pay fidya at the beginning of Ramadan for all anticipated missed days, during Ramadan as you miss each day, or after Ramadan ends for the days you missed. Many scholars recommend paying at the start of Ramadan so the food reaches those in need during the blessed month.
Mini-FAQ: Common Fidya Questions
Can I pay fidya in advance for the whole month?
Yes, you can pay for all 30 days at the beginning of Ramadan, especially if you know you cannot fast the entire month due to chronic illness or old age.
Q: What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding should I pay fidya?
In the Hanafi school of thought, pregnant and breastfeeding women must make up missed fasts later (qada), not pay fidya, since their condition is temporary.
Q: Can I give fidya directly to a poor family member?
Yes, as long as they fall into the eligible categories for receiving fidya and are genuinely in need. However, giving through established charities ensures proper distribution to the most deserving.
Why Fidya Matters in Islam
Paying fidya is a commandment from Allah that ensures no one is excluded from Ramadan’s blessings. It serves as a tool for spiritual inclusion, ensuring those who cannot fast remain eligible for Ramadan’s rewards and mercy. It also provides a practical way of supporting the needy by directly feeding families struggling with poverty and hunger.
Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity (Quran 2:286). Fidya embodies this mercy by providing a practical alternative while supporting the community’s most vulnerable members. We handle this distribution as a sacred amanah to ensure your missed fasts are transformed into life-changing charity.
Conclusion
Fidya ensures spiritual inclusion during Ramadan while feeding those in need. Fulfill your obligation today and transform your missed fasts into life-changing charity.