In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the faith and is obligatory for every able Muslim. However, there are situations where a Muslim may miss fasts due to valid reasons such as illness, pregnancy, or other legitimate excuses.
In such cases, Islamic law provides remedies in the form of Fidya (compensation) and Kaffara (expiation) to address the missed obligations. This article explains the concepts of Fidya and Kaffara, their differences, and how they are applied in specific situations.
What is Kaffara?
Kaffara comes from the Arabic root “كَفَرَ,” meaning to cover or conceal. In Islamic terms, Kaffara is a form of expiation prescribed for those who deliberately break a fast without a valid reason. It is a means of seeking forgiveness and atonement for a missed religious duty.
When is Kaffara Required?
Kaffara is necessary in the following cases:
- Deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan without a valid excuse, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in marital relations.
- Delaying making up a missed fast until the next Ramadan arrives, without a legitimate reason.
How to Pay Kaffara?
The Quran prescribes the Kaffara for deliberately breaking a fast in Ramadan:
“…But if one cannot [free a slave], then [he must] fast two consecutive months before they touch one another; and he who is unable – then the feeding of sixty needy people…” (Surah Al-Mujadilah: 4)
There are three options to fulfill Kaffara:
- Freeing a slave (which is no longer applicable today).
- Fasting for 60 consecutive days for each missed fast.
- Feeding 60 poor people, providing them with two meals per person. Scholars estimate this to be approximately $360 per missed fast ($6 per meal, for 60 people).
If a person is unable to fast for 60 consecutive days due to a valid reason, they must opt for the alternative of feeding 60 needy individuals.
What is Fidya?
Fidya is a compensation for missing fasts due to a legitimate excuse, such as chronic illness, old age, or conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding, when fasting is harmful.
When is Fidya Required?
Fidya applies in cases where:
- A person is permanently unable to fast due to old age or an illness with no hope of recovery.
- A pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears for the health of her child (though scholars differ on whether she must also make up the fast later).
How to Pay Fidya?
Fidya involves feeding one poor person per missed fast. The amount is estimated as:
- 750 grams of staple food (e.g., rice, wheat, or dates) per day.
- $6 per day, if given in monetary form through charity organizations.
For example, if a person misses 10 days of fasting, they should pay $60 or provide food for 10 people.
Difference Between Fidya and Kaffara
| Aspect | Fidya | Kaffara |
| Reason | Missed fasts due to a valid excuse (e.g., illness, pregnancy) | Deliberately breaking a fast without a valid reason |
| Requirement | Feeding one poor person per missed day | Fasting 60 days consecutively or feeding 60 poor people per missed day |
| Amount | Approximately $6 per day | Approximately $360 per missed fast |
| Alternative | Can be paid in food or money | No alternative if fasting 60 days is possible |
When Should Kaffara or Fidya Be Paid?
There is no fixed time for paying Fidya or Kaffara, but it is best to do so before the next Ramadan begins. If a person delays making up their missed fasts without a valid excuse, they may have to pay both Fidya and make up the fasts.
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Conclusion
Fidya and Kaffara are essential components of Islamic jurisprudence, providing a means for Muslims to compensate for missed fasts and seek forgiveness for intentional violations. While Fidya is a form of compensation for those unable to fast due to valid reasons, Kaffara serves as expiation for intentional sins. Both acts emphasize the importance of fulfilling religious obligations while fostering a spirit of charity and social responsibility.
May Allah accept the efforts of those striving to fulfill their obligations and grant them forgiveness and mercy. Ameen.
