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Give Fidya this Ramadan 2026 with ChildRelief
Compensation for Those Unable to Fast: Complete Guide
If chronic illness, old age, or a permanent medical condition prevents you from fasting during Ramadan 2026, Fidya allows you to fulfil your religious obligation by feeding the poor. Here's everything you need to know about Fidya rates, eligibility, and payment.
£5-£7 per day of fasting missed. Full Ramadan (30 days): £150-£210.
Those permanently unable to fast: elderly, chronically ill, terminally ill patients with no prospect of recovery.
Fidya is for permanent inability. If you can make up fasts later, you should NOT pay Fidya.
Fidya is a religious compensation in Islam for those who cannot fast during Ramadan due to a permanent condition and have no realistic prospect of making up the missed fasts in the future. Instead of fasting, they feed one poor person for each day of fasting missed.
Allah says in the Quran: "And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
This verse shows Allah's mercy—providing an alternative for those who genuinely cannot fast while maintaining their spiritual connection to Ramadan.
Daily Rate: £5-£7 per day missed
This amount feeds one poor person two meals for each day of fasting you cannot observe.
| Days Missed | At £5/day | At £7/day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | £5 | £7 |
| 10 days | £50 | £70 |
| 15 days | £75 | £105 |
| 20 days | £100 | £140 |
| 29 days | £145 | £203 |
| 30 days (full Ramadan) | £150 | £210 |
Fidya is specifically for those who meet BOTH conditions:
Key principle: If there's any realistic possibility you can make up the fasts in the future, you should NOT pay Fidya.
| Aspect | Fidya | Kaffarah |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | Cannot fast due to permanent excuse | Deliberately broke fast without valid reason |
| Amount | Feed 1 person per day (£5-£7) | Fast 60 consecutive days OR feed 60 people |
| Nature | Compensation for inability | Expiation for deliberate sin |
| Monetary equivalent | £150-£210 for full month | ~£300+ per violation |
Fidya can be paid at different times:
Many scholars recommend paying early so the poor can benefit during the blessed month.
There is scholarly difference of opinion:
Consult a knowledgeable scholar for guidance specific to your situation.
While you cannot fast, your Fidya feeds families in desperate need. Every £5 provides meals for someone who might otherwise go hungry. Through ChildRelief, your Fidya reaches families in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and beyond—places where children face hunger every single day.
Consider: although you cannot participate in fasting, your Fidya allows you to participate in Ramadan's spirit of generosity and caring for others.
Fidya is £5-£7 per day of fasting missed. For the full month of Ramadan (30 days): £150-£210. This feeds one poor person per day missed.
Those who cannot fast due to permanent conditions: elderly, chronically ill, terminally ill. The key is having NO prospect of making up fasts in the future.
No. If you can potentially make up fasts after recovery, you should NOT pay Fidya. Make up the missed fasts when you're able.
Fidya is for those unable to fast (feed 1 person/day). Kaffarah is for deliberately breaking a fast without excuse (fast 60 days or feed 60 people).
Can be paid at the start of Ramadan (full amount), daily, or at the end. Many scholars recommend paying early so recipients benefit during Ramadan.
Scholars differ. Most say they should make up fasts later. Some allow Fidya in addition to or instead of making up fasts. Consult a scholar for your situation.
Your Fidya feeds families who have nothing. Though you cannot fast, your generosity transforms lives. 100% of your donation goes to programmatic costs to supercharge helping those in need. We're ALL in. 100%.
