Compensation for Missed Fasts: Eligibility & Payment Guide
Fidyah (also spelled Fidya) is the compensation paid when a Muslim cannot fast due to permanent illness, old age, or chronic conditions. Learn who qualifies, how much to pay, and the difference between Fidyah and Kaffarah.
Daily Amount
£5-£7 per day missed. Provides two meals for a poor person for each fast you cannot observe.
Full Ramadan
30 days × £5 = £150 minimum. 30 days × £7 = £210 recommended.
Who Pays?
Those permanently unable to fast: elderly, chronically ill, terminally ill with no prospect of recovery.
What is Fidyah?
Fidyah is a form of religious compensation in Islam for those who cannot fast during Ramadan due to a permanent condition and cannot make up the fasts later. Instead of fasting, they provide food for a poor person for each day missed.
Allah says: "And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]." (Quran 2:184)
This demonstrates Allah's mercy—providing an alternative for those who genuinely cannot fast while keeping them connected to Ramadan.
Fidyah 2026 Rates
Per Day: £5 (minimum) to £7 (recommended)
Days
At £5/day
At £7/day
10 days
£50
£70
20 days
£100
£140
30 days
£150
£210
Who Should Pay Fidyah?
Fidyah applies to those who meet BOTH conditions:
Cannot fast during Ramadan
Have NO prospect of making up fasts in future
Eligible:
Elderly – Too weak to fast safely
Chronically ill – Diabetes, kidney disease, etc.
Terminally ill – No expectation of recovery
Permanent conditions – Preventing future fasting
NOT Eligible:
Temporary illness – Make up fasts when recovered
Travel – Make up fasts when home
Menstruation – Make up fasts after Ramadan
Pregnancy – Most scholars say make up later
Key: If you can potentially make up fasts later, do NOT pay Fidyah.
After Ramadan: If delayed, pay as soon as possible
Your Fidyah Makes a Difference
Though you cannot fast, your Fidyah feeds families in desperate need. In Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan, your payment provides meals for those who face hunger daily.
Your Fidyah connects you to Ramadan's spirit of generosity even when fasting isn't possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Fidyah 2026?
£5-£7 per day missed. Full month: £150-£210. This feeds one poor person per day.
Who pays Fidyah?
Those permanently unable to fast: elderly, chronically ill, terminally ill. NOT for temporary illness—make up fasts when recovered.
Is Fidyah the same as Fidya?
Yes. Fidyah and Fidya are different spellings of the same Arabic word for compensation.
What's the difference between Fidyah and Kaffarah?
Fidyah: cannot fast (feed 1 person/day). Kaffarah: deliberately broke fast (fast 60 days or feed 60 people).
When should I pay Fidyah?
Can pay at start of Ramadan, daily, or at end. Many prefer paying early so recipients benefit throughout Ramadan.
Is Fidyah annual?
Yes. If you permanently cannot fast, pay Fidyah every Ramadan.
Pay Your Fidyah Today
Your Fidyah provides meals for families who have nothing. 100% of your donation goes to programmatic costs to supercharge helping those in need. We're ALL in. 100%.
